Traffic travelling between Portlaoise and Tullamore have been advised to go through Portarlington as a number of roads around Mountmellick remain impassable due to flooding.
The full extent of the damage caused by severe flooding in Mountmellick is only emerging today.
In a statement, Laois County Council advised that due to the recent heavy rainfall a substantial number of regional and local roads continue to remain impassable, including the N80.
Roads within the Mountmellick area which remain impassable include: Ballyfin to Mountmellick, Derrycloney to Ballyfin, Manor Lane, Mountmellick to Portarlington, Acragar and Irishtown.
Evacuated
“A total 35 families were evacuated by the council and hotel accommodation provided for those who required same,” the council confirmed
A Humanitarian Aid Centre has been set up at the Community Centre at Wolfe Tone Court staffed by Laois County Council and the Department of Social Protection.
Fire crews from Westmeath, Longford, and Offaly provided assistance overnight.
These have now been replaced again by Laois Fire Crews.
Army personnel are also providing assistance.
Laois Fire Services, Civil Defence and Road Crews remain in response mode.
“Motorists are urged to continue to exercise caution on all roads, to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas and in particular to avoid the Mountmellick area,” the council advises.
Emergency crews will remain in attendance and Laois County Council will continue to monitor flood levels in the county.
Minister of State Moran addressing the media in Mountmellick this lunchtime with Minister Flanagan ensuring whole of Government response. @opwireland pic.twitter.com/916S6XHdoZ
— Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran (@kevinboxermoran) 23 November 2017
Members of the public requiring the assistance of Laois County Council should contact (057) 86 64000.
Emergency
In the event that you require the emergency services, please dial 999, the council says.
“Laois County Council would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by other local authorities and all agencies and to thank the public for their on-going co-operation,” the council stated.
SEE ALSO – Army called in to help Mountmellick flood clean-up
