Concern for the structural integrity of bridge in Castleconnel as city told to prepare
As the cleanup continues following flooding in County Limerick and the Shannon Banks area, concern is building this week of possible flooding within the city.
With heavy rain forecast Tuesday coupled with the highest tides of the last two weeks still to come, officials are warning homeowners and commercial premises in the city which have flooded in the past to be “on alert”.
The City Council has already deployed sandbags to properties in vulnerable areas and are particularly concerned about low-lying areas including Lucas Drive in Corbally, parts of Mill Road, Siul na hAbhann Housing Estate, Meadowbrook and parts of the Corbally Road around Cooney’s Garage. One household has left their accommodation on the Cratloe Road but the officials say they do not believe that “any other properties on the Cratloe Road will be affected at this point”.
Limerick City Manager Tom Mackey conceded Monday morning that the city “may have some issues” later this week as high tides of up to 6.8 meters due from Wednesday until Saturday.
Council officials say the situation is being monitored “on an ongoing basis” and if it is necessary to deploy sandbags in additional areas, they say it “will be done.”
Any residents of business concerned should contact their council on the number below.
Meanwhile the ESB has said water levels on Lough Derg have fallen by a further 6cm between Sunday and Monday. “It is anticipated that water levels will recede slowly downstream of Parteen Weir by an estimated 7 to 8cms during the course of today,” the ESB said in a statement Monday.
Limerick County Council has also closed the pedestrian bridge at Castleconnell arising from concerns over the safety of the bridge structure. Officials have also warned people one again to stay away from flooded areas
“All flood water near properties must be treated as being potentially contaminated by sewage. River banks may also have been eroded and persons should avoid walking near flooded river banks”, Donal Brennan, Senior Engineer with Limerick Council siad.
Limerick City Council Emergency Contact Numbers: Office hours 061 407100. Outside of office hours 061 417833.
Limerick County Council Emergency Contact Numbers: Office hours 061 496000. Outside of office hours 061 419226.
