Flooding fear at County Limerick boat club

AFTER being flooded twice in the last 10 years, Castleconnell Boat Club members are anxiously watching the rising Shannon this Thursday.

Situated at the World's End, the clubhouse is always the first port of call for rising water levels.

Due to heavy rainfall, the flows of water increased to 130 cumecs (cubic metres per second) at Parteen Weir on Monday morning. This rose to 165 cumecs on Tuesday. On Wednesday it went to 200 cumecs and remains at that level this Thursay.

President of Castleconnell Boat Club, which is growing rapidly, Owen Silke said they are watching the situation closely.

“ESB text us every day. It is up to 200 cumecs at Parteen Weir, if there is another increase we’ll be in the water. It is at the gate of the clubhouse - it is up on the road,” said Owen.

However, they are better prepared than ever.

“Last year we spent €20,000 on a flood wall, built with Limerick City and County Council. And we put in a flood barrier with the aid of the JP McManus Fund. We don't want to tempt faith but we feel that we are in a fairly good position. It is going to be our first test so fingers crossed," said Owen.

More comfort is being provided by ESB who say flows will remain at 200 cumecs this Thursday. 

"The five day forecast is relatively benign, so we’re now likely to be at peak level of discharges," said a spokesperson.