Additional soldiers have been deployed in South Galway to tackle the flooding crisis.
Members of the Defence Forces are now operating on double shifts filling and placing sandbags to hold back rising water levels across the region.
Their deployment comes as around 30 homes in South Galway are under threat of flooding – while up to 10 are already underwater.
The majority of those homes are in the Kiltartan, Peterswell, Skehanagh, Cahermore, and Tirneevin areas.
A helicopter has also been deployed to assist in the supply of residents isolated by flood waters, and a significant number of inaccessible animals across the region.
Many local roads are closed across South Galway – particularly south and west of the N18.
Concerns remain in place this evening for Portumna, where pumping is continuing to keep the N65 Bridge Road open.
Director of Services at Galway County Council Liam Gavin says the Gort area is the worst affected.
The Council issued the following travel advisory tonight: “Galway County Council wishes to advise that many roads in the South Galway area are impassable and closed due to severe flooding.
“If travelling in this area, please use the main roads the N18 and N67. Due to flooding on the N18 at Labane, there is a minor diversion in place through the village. Spot flooding is to be expected at all locations on the N18 and N67 – please exercise caution on all routes and obey signage that is in place.
“The N65 at the bridge in Portumna is down to one lane traffic only. The levels in Lough Derg are continuing to rise and the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis.
“The town of Ballinasloe is clear from flooding. The levels of the River Suck are rising and this is being monitored closely.
“Pier Road in Oughterard is impassable and is closed. Please avoid the area.
“Local roads at Fohenagh, West of Ahascragh are closed and impassable. Road from Caherlistrane to Belclare has been closed due to severe flooding, and remains impassable.”
The post Additional soldiers deployed to South Galway appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.