Updated 12:33 pm.
MET ÉIREANN HAS lifted its rainfall warning across the country but many national and regional roads are still affected by flooding.
Up to 25 millimetres was forecast across the country – with Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath worst affected. However, conditions are expected to improve today.
Clare County Council says water levels on the Lower River Shannon at Springfield, Clonlara, have risen two inches following overnight rainfall and are now approximately four – five inches below the November 2009 peak level, which was reached on Saturday night last.
Pumps are still running in many homes and it’s reported that it could be up to six weeks before the problem is eradicated.
District engineer with Clare County council Hugh McGrath told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland,
“Homes are at risk for a while to come, Springfield in Clare in particular.
“If we had no more rain for the next 10 days there’d be a massive improvement.”
Further increases are not anticipated during today and the ESB has decided to maintain the flow of water downstream from Parteen Weir at 470 cubic metres per second.
’We just can’t live like this anymore’
Clare County Council and The Defence Forces are continuing to provide support on the ground in Springfield, as well as assist in the transportation of residents of properties isolated by floodwaters.
Geraldine Quinlivan who lives in Springfield in the lower Shannon was forced to leave her house last week after fighting the elements for over four and a half weeks.
She told Morning Ireland, “My husband and sons were down there last night with the army as a precaution.
“We’re mentally and physically exhausted at this stage …. I’m awake since 3.30 am and I didn’t go to bed until after 12.
“I mean we just can’t live like this anymore … two of my sons are sick, my husband can’t sit down without falling asleep.
They’re just absolutely exhausted … I don’t know how we’re going to come back from this to be honest.
“We need action down here now. We need the river to be cleaned, we don’t want to hear anymore about it not being cost effective.”
Quinlivan also raised concerns about her insurance, “It’s possible that we won’t get flood cover when renewing our home insurance next April.
“I would urge government who are due to have a meeting with insurance companies on Tuesday to bring that up.”
Power Outages
Over 1,000 homes and businesses were without electricity this morning.
Power outages were reported in Malahide and Fairview in Dublin, in Bannagher in Offaly, Kilmeaden in Waterford and Westport in Mayo.
Around 7oo of those affected were in Malahide where there was a single tripping fault.
It’s understood that the fault was probably not caused by last night’s rain.
The ESB says it is working to repair the faults in those areas.
The utility company is also warning members of the public and emergency services to be vigilant when moving around flooded areas in boats and other flotation vehicles.
The electricity network is designed to have ample clearance for access and egress during normal conditions. However, when areas are flooded, this clearance level may be affected.
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