Abbeyfeale worst hit as Storm Bert sweeps across Limerick

THE wider Abbeyfeale area in west Limerick took the worst of Storm Bert overnight.

The river Feale burst its banks along the Limerick-Kerry border causing widespread flooding in Abbeyfeale.

Homes, businesses and two of the town's most popular sporting grounds, Fr Caseys GAA and Abbeyfeale Utd soccer grounds are underwater this Saturday morning.

Limerick City and Council County have reported that their Newcastle West roads crew and members of the Limerick Fire & Rescue Service are out since very early this morning, particularly in the west Limerick area, which was also worst hit by the snowfall of Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

There are some road closures confirmed due to flooding - R522 Bruff line (near ESB Sub-Station), R520 NCW to Castlemahon cross and local roads in Athea and Abbeyfeale.

In Abbeyfeale, the NCT Centre has confirmed it won't open this Saturday due to flooding, while An Siopa Milsean has confirmed the postponement of tonight's concert by Cormac O Caoimh.

GVM has also announced today's sale in Abbeyfeale is cancelled.

The Abbeyfeale Community Alert Christmas Party which was scheduled to take place on Sunday at Fr Caseys GAA club has had to be called off.

West Limerick Minister Patrick O'Donovan has confirmed he has spoken to Taoiseach Simon Harris this Saturday morning regarding the flooding situation in Abbeyfeale. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris informed Deputy O'Donovan that he directed his ministers to ensure all supports were in place ahead of the arrival of Storm Bert.

The Department’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme has been activated. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.

It is understood that an incorporeal meeting of the Cabinet will be called pending the severity of Storm Bert.

Meanwhile, Limerick Greenway is closed today to facilitate the clearance of debris. Limerick City and County Council will signal when the popular amenity in west Limerick will reopen.