Flooding eases across country

Roads closed due to flooding are beginning to reopen across the country as water levels begin to subside.

Roads closed due to flooding are beginning to reopen across the country as water levels begin to subside.

According to AA Roadwatch many routes in the west have improved with all major arteries now open in Galway city apart from the Monivea Road. The N18 Galway to Ennis Road has also reopened although parts of the N65 from Portumna to Borrisokane remain closed.

In Leitrim traffic on the N4 Dublin to Sligo road must still divert through Carrick on Shannon while in Cavan the N3 Butlers Bridge to Belturbert road is still closed at Bunn.

In Lucan, the Strawberry Beds remains closed between Tinker's Hill and Rugged Lane, following flooding at the weekend.

The ESB has said this morning it reduced the level of water release at Parteen Weir in Limerick again today by a further 6 per cent.

Limerick City Council has deployed sandbags at vulnerable points along the Quays from Merchant's Quay to the Shannon Bridge at Mallow Street and at Verdant Place as a precautionary measure in view of predicted high tides and one household has been evacuated on the Cratloe Road due to fears of flooding.

Farmers reported little change as far as farmland is concerned. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) said it is continuing to monitor the situation and direct fodder to those who are worst affected.

Elsewhere Cork Chamber of Commerce today criticised the Government over what it called "a serious lack of commitment" in alleviating the impact of the recent floods in the country. It has also called for clarification on when and who will carry out an independent inquiry into the management of water in the region.

"The Government has completely underestimated the impact of the floods and needs to realise the devastating knock on impact this will have on the country's enterprise base, which are already facing significant challenges and extend the relief package to affected businesses immediately," said Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy.

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“As the immediate issues following the flooding have been dealt with, it is now essential that we ensure that nothing like this can be allowed to happen again,” he added.

Cork City Council today said water had been restored to a number of homes north of the River Lee. A boil water notice will be in place in areas where water has been restored, until the council has verified that all mains supplies are free from risk of contamination.

However, number of areas on the southside of the city, including Barrack Street, Bandon Road, Boreenmanna Road and Ballinlough Road are without water or are experiencing intermittent supply or low pressure.

Met Éireann, which yesterday reported that November was one of the wettest months ever recorded, is forecasting that today will be mainly dry but with the possibility of scattered showers occurring over the southern half of the country.

The Irish Red Cross and the St Vincent de Paul Society have set up special funds for financial donations to assist those affected by the recent floods. In addition, a website has been established to offer practical support to those affected by the recent flooding.

Offersofhelp.com is calling on individuals and companies from around the country to donate both time and goods and offers received so far include clothes, transport, food, spare rooms and furniture.

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor is a former Irish Times business journalist