Updated 15.00
The Environment Minister Alan Kelly says the response to the flooding is "the best response we've ever had".
It comes as further heavy rain is expected across the country today, as clean-up efforts continue.
Met Éireann has issued a yellow weather warning for rainfall. They are forecasting that for between 15 and 25 millimetres of rain will fall across the country between midday and 9 AM tomorrow morning.
Bus Éireann is warning that some school bus routes may be subject to disruption due to the flooding.
The rainfall warnings came into effect as the OPW said levels on the River Shannon have started to fall or remained stable for the first time in several weeks.
However, it warns that levels on the river remain above 2009 thresholds and the flooding threat still remains.
The ESB is holding the discharge at Parteen Weir at 470 cubic metres a second. It says discharges on the Lee at Inniscarra are now normal and it has cut the outflow at Poulaphouca on the Liffey from 45 to 15 cumecs because of today's expected rainfall.
The ESB also says discharges on the Lee at Inniscarra are now normal, and it has cut the outflow at Poulaphouca on the Liffey from 45 to 15 cumecs because of today's expected rainfall.
Jim Casey from the OPW says some rivers in the East and North-East of the country are now being monitored very closely, saying they remain in 'a high flood situation' in several catchments - the Suir, the Barrow, the Nore, the Slaney and the Boyne:
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has announced the launch of an assistance scheme for farmers who have suffered fodder losses due to flooding.
Minister Coveney said, "I have witnessed first-hand the significant difficulties and losses experienced by farmers in areas flooded in recent weeks. I am committed to supporting these farmers and in this regard Government have agreed to provide up to €2 million for the new fodder scheme".
Forms for the Fodder Scheme will be available on the Department's website tomorrow and through local offices next week, and apply to losses that are not covered by insurance.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Kelly will meet representatives of the insurance sector next week to discuss the current spell of flooding.
Meanwhile, Revenue has said people whose homes have been flooded can apply to have some of their taxes deferred, including Local Property Tax. You can contact their helpline on 1890 20 30 70.
Fast response
Minister Alan Kelly told Newstalk Breakfast he is thankful to all those involved in the response so far.
"The effort that has been put in by the emergency coordination unit, it's run through my department, sitting full-time since the 3rd of December has been incredible," he told Newstalk Breakfast.
"I believe this is the best response we've ever had, from a coordination point of view in the country to any disaster - any flooding disaster, in particular".
And he says he is confident that there is enough money to implement plans to deal with the current flooding crisis.
He says the top priority of Government is for flood defences and clean-up efforts to be completed to a high standard.
