ESB has increased the flow of water from Parteen Weir into the Shannon Channel following an “unforeseen issue” at the Ardnacrusha Power Station.
The state-owned energy provider has contacted locals this morning warning of flooding of roads which may affect land and property as a result of the measure.
In a statement to Clare FM, ESB says the flow of water through the Ardnacrusha Headrace has been reduced due to an “unforeseen issue” at Ardnacrusha.
As a result, it says it had to increase the amount of water being discharged from Parteen Weir into the Shannon Channel to 225 cubic metres per second.
The company claims this was communicated to local residents as well as to relevant bodies such as Clare County Council, and Limerick City and County Council.
It insists the discharge will be similar to last week with similar effects anticipated, and that it’s working to return the plant to normal operation “as quickly as possible”.
It’s understood water levels in the Shannon catchment are currently high following recent rainfall, and ESB says it may be necessary to increase the flow into the Shannon Channel further in the coming days.
Residents received communication from the firm this morning informing them that the increased flow is “likely to result in flooding of roads and may affect land and property”.
ESB says it’s continuing to monitor the situation and that it will consistently engage with local residents, local authorities and others over the coming days as normal.
