Water levels on the River Barrow in Portarlington are receding after heavy rain caused flooding in parts of Co Laois.
The fire service has been pumping water away from homes under threat in the town. Two schools in Portarlington were closed today and there is widespread traffic disruption.
Concern has been expressed about the possibility of flooding in Monasterevin and Athy in Co Kildare but sandbags have been put in place at homes deemed to be most vulnerable along the River Barrow in both towns.
Up to ten families are still being transported from a rural area between Mountmellick and Portarlington due to road closures in that area.
They were cut off following the heavy rain on Wednesday, which caused extensive damage in Mountmellick and flooded around 40 homes.
The army and local fire and emergency services were involved in the major clean-up operation.
The Defence Forces has said that it deployed 33 personnel and five 4x4 trucks to assist with the operation.
PORTARLINGTON paralysed by flood water .... pic.twitter.com/vyourIltam
— Ciaran Mullooly (@ciaranmullooly) November 24, 2017
Laois County Council has said the N80 has fully reopened to traffic. Botley Lane, Bog Road and Patrick Street in Portarlington are closed and diversions are in place.
