Shannon level shows no rise for first time in fortnight; ESB not to raise waterflow through Parteen Weir
The National Emergency Co-ordination group says there has been no rise in water levels around the River Shannon for the first time in two weeks.
However, the group says there is still a significant flooding situation, and also a need for the continued use of water pumps and flood defences.
The ESB says it will not increase the amount of water flowing through the Parteen Weir today.
It says no increases are likely over the coming days either, despite the mixed weather forecast.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Limerick are calling for an immediate review of the management and operation of the Park Canal by Waterways Ireland.
Fourteen homes were flooded in Corbally at the weekend as council workers struggled to open the canal lock.
Waterways Ireland says it left keys for the lock with the Council and relevant phone numbers.
But in a statement, Limerick City and County Council says the keys did not open the gates and Waterways Ireland were not immediately available.
Limerick City and County Council said: "The Council responded to reports on Saturday evening that the canal was full and over-topping. Attempts were made by the Council Engineer on site to open the gates with the keys that were left with the Authority.
"The gates failed to respond and contact was immediately made with Waterways Ireland. As Waterways Ireland were not immediately available attempts were made by Council Engineers and the Fire Service to open the canal gates.
"The Council deployed an excavator to prise the canal gates open, an action that subsequently resulted in a lowering of water levels and the gradual alleviation of flooding in the area."
The council said they were disappointed with comments made by Waterways Ireland and are to meet them today in order to avoid a repeat of the weekend's event.
Paul Moroney, engineer with Clare County Council, said that locals are still braced for more flooding due to high levels in the Parteen Weir.
“There’s still a risk in the south-east Clare area, in Clonlara, Springfort/Clonlara area,” he said.
“The ESB has maintained the level at around 440 cubic metres a second yesterday, they went up to that level on Sunday, so there is still a heightened risk.”
A Met Éireann rainfall warning is in effect for the counties of Cork, Kerry and Waterford today.
The Status Yellow warning has warned of rainfall totals of up to 30mm overnight and during today.
Here's a quick hit of weather to get you through the commuting day... MattT pic.twitter.com/upFmQ7RlqN
— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) December 15, 2015
The warning remains in effect until 8pm today.
SAT PIC 0615 pic.twitter.com/UAb6jupvtQ
— Cork Harbour Weather (@CorkHarbourWX) December 15, 2015
The ESB said that it will decide later whether or not to increase the flow of water through the Parteen Weir later which has caused flooding in communities along the River Shannon.
Met Éireann is monitoring rainfall over the next few days, in case there is a need for an Status Orange alert or higher to be issued.
Mild with low pressure in control today. Here's how it's shaping up - keep the umbrella handy: pic.twitter.com/DIR4hY11jo
— Barra Best (@barrabest) December 15, 2015
“In the week to come, almost every day is going to bring some rain,” said head of forecasting Gerard Fleming last night.
“At the moment, none of it looks like serious warnings, as in Orange Status warning or higher.
“But I would have to stress that the accumulation of rain over the course of the next six or seven days will be above normal.
“It seems like it’s coming fairly steadily, in other words, very few dry days there, maybe Wednesday might be the best.”
