WITH high tides and high water levels due on Thursday, December 3, Limerick is on full alert, with all systems ready to combat what is estimated to be the most significant threat of flooding in the city, since the water levels in Lough Derg rose alarmingly early last week.
According to a Shannon Foynes Port Company forecast, high waters are expected at 6.50am on Thursday and high tides at 7.25pm (giving an almost five metre difference between high and low water).
While firm assurances are coming from City Hall that a full contingency plan is in place, it is the weather which is the major player in determining the scale of flooding, according to the chairman of the Shannon River Basin Advisory Council, Cllr Jim Long.
“We believe that at the worst, we have nine inches to spare – subject to climate and the high tides there will be a discharge of water from Athlone, Portumna and the tributary rivers flowing into Lough Derg and the Shannon
“If we have a combination of high tides, rain and most significant of all – South Westerly winds, we will have just nine inches to spare – if there is an increase in the winds from 20 to 25 knots, that would bring us up to the maximum table, which would cause the problem.
“The weather is the major player as everything else is in place to tackle the issue – we have tidal water management on the alert, as are the emergency services, but it’s all down to the wind. However, the met office at Shannon do not, at this stage, anticipate the winds being over 25 knots and if this is correct, then we have luck on our side”.
The Shannon River Basin Advisory Council have appealed for water conservation.
“By doing so that would be a contributory factor in saving millions of gallons of water going into the system”.
Confident that the city council is fully prepared for any contingency, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said that so far, Limerick is fortunate that none of its citizens have been rendered homeless due to the floods.
“With the exception of the vulnerable areas of Lucas Drive and the Mill Road area bounding the river, Siul na hAbhann estate, Meadowbrook and Corbally Road around Cooney’s Garage, all of which have been supplied with sandbags, just one household has left their accommodation on the Cratloe Road.
“Yes, we have some concern for Thursday because of the high tides, and I’m particularly worried about the strength of the bund under the bridge on the Park Canal – it’s like Niagra Falls there at the moment.
“However, I’ve every confidence in the city manager and the emergency plan in place and the highest praise for they way they are keeping everyone up-to-date on the situation”.
The pedestrian walkways along the canal are closed and members of the public are advised not to use them until further notice. City Hall is also advising members of the public to stay away from any land that is flooded within the city boundary and not to use the waterways for leisure purposes.