More than 60,000 sand bags have been deployed across flood risk areas in south-east Clare and Ennis as the county braces itself for further flooding.
This evening, Clare's Inter-Agency Response Team confirmed that rising flood levels in the Burren in north Clare earlier today resulted in the evacuation of a further three homes from the villages of Carron and Tubber.
A spokesman for the response team stated that 30,000 sand bags have been deployed in south-east Clare along the River Shannon and an additional 30,000 sand bags and 1,000 one-ton sand-bags have been placed in Ennis in a bid to halt the floods.
Tonight, 108 individuals – many of them children - were spending their sixth night in emergency accommodation at a local hotel after being rescued by boat last Friday by army personnel from their flooded Ennis homes.
This evening, the Response Team spokesman stated that it is progressing the rehousing of families who were evacuated in the Ennis area as a result of flooding.
The spokesman said: "One family has returned to their home and alternative accommodation has been identified for a further two families."
"Detailed inspections of six homes have been carried out, while inspections of a further 20 houses will take place in the coming days."
A number of the families have already expressed fears that they will not be able to return to their homes before Christmas. The spokesman said: "Ennis Town Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have also identified a number of private rented properties which may be suitable for the rehousing of the evacuated families."
The Society of St Vincent de Paul said it had received a large number of calls from people all over Ireland offering help for those affected by the floods.
"We have been inundated with offers of cloths, bedding and household items. This generous response to those in need has been very welcome and demonstrates the positive depth of community spirit in the country," said SVP national president Mairead Bushnell.
The organisation said it was asking people who wanted to help to make financial donations to its general funds, and donate bedding and household items at its depots in Athlone, Cork, Ballinasloe and other SVP shops.
"As the situation is constantly changing we will respond to the needs of the people effected through our local volunteers," said Ms Bushnell.
