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

Earlier on Saturday Lough Ree RNLI had joined with Athlone Sub Aqua Club and Athlone River Safety Awareness just upstream of the weir wall to demonstrate emergency response procedures to the public.

Speaking in the Dail recently, Deputy Naughten confirmed that while maintenance grants are available for mountain, cave and sea rescue services, nothing is provided for diving groups.