FLOODING CRISIS:HUNDREDS OF homes remain flooded in the west despite falling water levels on the River Shannon.
Most critical areas are south and east Galway and part of the midlands, while some 6,000 householders are facing a two-month “boil water” notice as Galway County Council tries flushing out a contaminated public water system in mid-county and in Ballinasloe.
HSE West director of public health Dr Diarmuid O’Donovan said it was essential that water for drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth was boiled. He said he was not aware of any notified diseases in the affected areas, but HSE West was monitoring the situation and working with Galway County Council. The city’s supply was not affected, he stressed.
A number of minor roads in the south and east are still under water, while most key routes are open – but with a diversion on the N18 Galway-Limerick route at Labane.
The Irish Farmers’ Association says homes and farms may be under threat from further heavy rain and northerly winds forecast by Met Éireann in coming days.
Some homeowners in south Galway areas of Ardrahan, Gort, Portumna and surrounds have been building temporary defences in harsh weather conditions.
For others in Ballinasloe, Athlone and Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly, water levels in some properties are still reported to be up to several feet.
The ESB is appealing for “constant vigilance”, but estimated yesterday that water levels would recede downstream of Parteen Weir by 6-7cm during the day.
MEP Marian Harkin, who last week flew over the region with two MEP colleagues, said there should be “no question of proceeding with a multibillion rail project like the Dublin metro” while people were trying to cope with “either inferior water and sewerage infrastructure or totally inadequate flood protection measures”.
Two charities dealing with the crisis, St Vincent de Paul and the Irish Red Cross, say they have been overwhelmed by the public response for goods.
St Vincent de Paul says warehouses are full, and financial donations would be most useful.
A Co Galway mother has established a website to allow people and companies to offer assistance in goods and services. Geraldine White of Ballinasloe, Co Galway, established www.offersofhelp.com to co-ordinate offers to assist by a people with a range of skills.
HSE West says it has had several calls to date to its counselling helpline, but believes the number of calls will increase.
The Irish South West Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd. (ISWFPO) is calling on members to “dig deep” and donate what they can to flood-affected families.
The HSE West counselling freephone helpline is 1800 245 600, and a separate phone line, 1800 283 036, has been established to advise people on practical services available following floods.