The Red Cross has announced it will set up emergency drinking water collection points along the River Shannon, to aid those affected by flooding caused by Storm Desmond.

The organisation this afternoon contacted local authorities in Westmeath, Galway and Limerick to offer support in the event of further flooding.

Tipperary water have also offered their support – sending bottled water to three towns considered at high risk of further flooding.

Red Cross National Director of Units Tony Lawlor has said the organisation will arrange the collection and transport of the supplies as an emergency measure.

“This stock is agreed as an interim, emergency resource especially for isolated homes affected by drinking water loss, infirm householders or those with no transport. Distribution will take place tomorrow and Thursday,” Mr Lawlor said.

Areas along the Shannon including Athlone, Portumna and the Montpelier area of Co Limerick are considerd to be at risk of further flooding.

Athlone: Providing assistance by way of flood mitigation equipment to some householders already affected or at risk. A quantity of bottled water is being pre-positioned there. Contact with Council officials and members has been initiated. A four-wheel drive ambulance from Laois Red Cross is being temporarily relocated to the Westmeath town.

Portumna: A quantity of bottled water has been set aside for use in Portumna, and regional and Area Officers are pre-alerting members.

Limerick: The areas now considered most at risk are rural. Bottled water is being pre-positioned. The Limerick Red Cross organisation is pre-alerted and communication with the local authority is ongoing.