Taoiseach heckled as he tours flooded midlands


The Taoiseach's been heckled by a group of local residents in Athlone on a tour of flood-hit areas in the midlands.

Brian Cowen has warned again that problems for people affected by the flooding crisis are far from over.

Locations along the River Shannon remain on high flood alert - while the ESB says it will be releasing more water at Parteen Weir today - which will impact on areas around the lower River Shannon.

Brian Cowen admits the problems will continue for some time.

"Given the situation we're in, things for some people unfortunately could get worse before they get better - we have to state that candidly" he said.

"The water levels coming into Parteen Weir are....at record levels. Indeed, record levels again in Lough Derg today".

"There is the immediate issue of how we manage this situation, minimise and mitigate the effects it is having on communities" he added.

 

 

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