Energy chiefs have warned of further possible damaging floods along the Shannon after the swollen river reached record levels.

As Taoiseach Brian Cowen visits the worst affected regions, the ESB said parts of counties Clare and Limerick faced further damage.

"Exceptional flooding along the River Shannon - the highest on record - requires ESB to increase the amount of water that must be released at Parteen Weir," the ESB said.

"The discharge levels have been growing in recent days but the release of higher volumes of water downstream will become unavoidable... Localised downstream areas can expect higher flood levels as a result."

The Parteen Weir controls the flow of water into Ardnacrusha power station further downstream.

Councils in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary and local emergency services warned areas from Parteen downstream to Limerick city face further floods.

Mr Cowen, in Cork before visiting Clare and Galway, said the focus of work should be on helping those affected by floods. The Taoiseach refused to be drawn on calls for an inquiry into the floods.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard director Chris Reynolds urged the public to take extra care in flooded and coastal areas. "The public is strongly advised not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas," he said.

"Do not attempt to cross at fast running river or flood water fords as they may be stronger and deeper than you think. Flooded urban areas may contain many hazards, not least of which include submerged open manholes and downed power lines.

"The combination of tides, forecasted gales warnings for later this week, high sea conditions and swollen rivers may result in very dangerous conditions."