ESB increases discharge at Parteen Weir

DUE to heavy rainfall, the flows of water increased to 130 cumecs at Parteen Weir on the Shannon this Monday morning, the ESB has confirmed to the Limerick Leader.

However, this compares with 500 cumecs (cubic metres per second) in 2009 and 470 cumecs in 2016. 

The situation will be reviewed again on Tuesday, said an ESB spokesperson.

“As per our Shannon five-day forecast, it is expected that a discharge ranging between 120 and 200 cumecs will be necessary at Parteen Weir over the next five days based on current Met Éireann weather forecast.

“ESB is continuing to monitor the situation. The amount of water being discharged is such that flooding is not expected to occur as a direct result,” said the spokesperson.

However, flooding may occur in the event of heavy flow in downstream tributaries, such as the Mulcair, they said.

The Mulcair was 71mm higher than the previous highest level in 2015, based on over 60 years of records. Hundreds of acres are underwater in east Limerick and many roads were closed. Around 2,000 sandbags were put in place to stop flooding in Mulcair Drive, Annacotty.

The ESB only monitors the main Shannon river and lake levels.   

“Downstream residents and stakeholders were advised in advance of changes to these discharges. We also continue to liaise closely with the relevant local authorities,” said the spokesperson.