Two hundred people have been marooned or removed from their homes because of flooding on the River Shannon in five counties. The IFA and ICMSA say the worst of the flooding is in the Shannon basin. Residents in Clonown near Athlone, who have been marooned in their home since Christmas Eve, say the flooding is the worst since 1954.
High winds and heavy rain are making driving conditions hazardous particularly in the west and southwest of the country. Spot flooding is reported in several areas. Two roads have been made impassable; a section of the N4 between Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle and a section of the N5 between Longford Town and Strokestown. Diversions are in place.
The IFA President Tom Parlon has said the present flooding of the river Shannon is the worst in living memory. On a visit to farmers whose cattle have been marooned in the midlands this afternoon Mr Parlon said that years of inaction by the office of public works and county councils has meant that the river maintenance was non existent. He called for the immediate investment in dredging and maintenance works.
Public Enterprise Minister Mary O'Rourke has said claims for flood compensation by farmers and residents in the River Shannon basin will be examined at the cabinet table. On a visit to a dozen families who have been marooned by floods near Athlone the Minister said the flooding was the worst she had ever encountered. She said there was an obvious need to examine infrastructure in the region after most public roads had been closed because of the high waters.
