An alternative route is available via the loughs along the Camlin river until maintenance is due to be complete on Monday the 29th of April.

The traditional event on Saturday showcases the work of the Athlone Subaqua Club, Athlone River Safety Awareness, local Gardaí and the RNLI.

Several local and national representatives have previously called for such an organisation.

Emergency services were called at about 7.30 this morning near The Quay area after reports a man had entered the water.

The protest is being run by the Save our Shannon group who were set up by the communities living along the river who've suffered from flooding over the years.

Anyone who wants to donate to Ger's chosen charities Pieta House, or Jigsaw , can go to idonate.ie.

Westmeath County Council apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The invasive mussels have spread massively in Lough Ree and the River Shannon generally