Flooding in the Midlands area. Irish Air Corps Irish Air Corps

THE IRISH RED Cross is setting up three emergency drinking water collection points along the River Shannon in areas considered at high risk of further flooding.

It follows talks between Red Cross officials and councils in Westmeath, Galway and Limerick – which are among the areas worst hit by the effects of Storm Desmond.

Tipperary Water is making bottled water available in three areas considered to be at highest risk of flooding.

“This stock is agreed as an interim, emergency resource especially for isolated homes affected by drinking water loss, infirm householders or those with no transport,” Aiden Lonergan of the Red Cross said.

“Distribution will take place tomorrow and Thursday,” he added.

Here’s what the Red Cross is up to in the three worst-affected areas:

• Athlone: Providing flood mitigation equipment and making bottled water available. A four-wheel drive ambulance from Laois Red Cross is also being temporarily relocated to the Westmeath town.
• Portumna: A quantity of bottled water has been set aside for use in the area – and members in the region are on alert.
• Limerick: Rural areas of the county are most at risk. Bottled water is being pre-positioned and Red Cross members are on alert. 

For more on the weather – including the outlook, and details of the funding for businesses check here.

Read: Everything you need to know about the weather (and the flood predictions) >