Athlone shopping centre flooded due to sprinkler system activation 

Athlone Towncentre shopping centre has been forced to close temporarily this morning, Saturday, due to extensive flooding caused by the activation of the sprinkler system at the adjoining Sheraton Hotel.

It’s not known at this stage what caused the sprinkler system to activate yesterday evening or the extent of the flooding in the hotel.

There are several videos being shared online of the extensive water damage caused inside the centre, including its Harvest coffee shop on the first level.

The centre won’t open until later this morning due to a mopping up operation.

In a social media message, the shopping centre said: “Please note that due to an issue on site this evening, @athlonetowncentre will not open to the public until 11 a.m. on Saturday 17th.

“If there’s any change to these arrangements we will update our social media channels. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”