Brian Hayes, Junior Finance Minister, has said that nearly €1.5bn is needed to protect Ireland from future flooding incidents.

The Minister made the remarks at an Office of Public Works (OPW) flood conference at Dublin Castle on Thursday, according to RTE.

Currently, €225m has been earmarked for flood risk management programmes, but Minister Hayes has said that the timeline given to deal with the areas at risk of flooding is too long.

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He said: "On funding I want to be very clear on my remarks here today. Despite the significant envelope of funds available for flood defences - more capital funds will have to be found as we prioritise this area.

"On the existing funding timeline, that could take over 30 years to complete those schemes. "Communities and individuals have been battered in every sense of the word."

Earlier this year, Ireland was battered by a number of severe storms, causing widespread damage and flooding to parts of the country.

It is understood that four significant flood defence projects will be completed this year, while work will begin on a further six.

Earlier this year, Ireland was battered by a number of severe storms, causing widespread damage and flooding to parts of the country.

(JP/MH)