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Midlands Minister Warning Of Road Closures Amid Rising River Levels

Thursday, 20 February 2020 07:05

Flood preparations have been stepped up in recent weeks.

OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran is warning that road closures may be necessary around Athlone following heavy showers throughout the week.

He says McQuade Bridge will be closed this morning and that further diversions may be required if the current wet weather continues.

Sandbags at the ready as the water level continues to rise in #Athlone this morning. pic.twitter.com/h1Xx7UaBLu
— Midlands103 (@Midlands103) February 20, 2020

Flood preparations have been stepped up in recent weeks following Storm Ciara and Denis and in anticipation of Storm Ellen this weekend.

Minister Moran says the town is ready for the adverse conditions:

Meanwhile, the River Shannon is in danger of bursting its banks in the coming weeks, according to a flooding expert.

It's after two storms and torrential rain have increased water levels, and more downpours are expected tomorrow and on Saturday and Sunday.

Professor Paul Johnston, from Trinity College's civil and environmental engineering department, says river levels are already high.

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