The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been slammed for a delay at approving drainage works on the River Clare in Galway.

The Commissioner for Public Works submitted the plan to the department 18 months ago, however there has been no progress on the issue.

Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Deputy Ó Cuív, said he is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of movement on the drainage scheme.

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Deputy Ó Cuív said: "Despite being told that a decision on the scheme would be made 'in the coming weeks' back in April, the latest response from the Minister now claims that a decision is 'expected shortly'. The initial plan was submitted to Minister Howlin's department in November 2013. These delays are completely unacceptable.

"Residents living in the area have been left in limbo. Many have already borne the brunt of bad floods over the past few winters and are fearful that their homes could fall foul of future storms and flooding. The Government needs to take firm action on this issue. Homeowners have had this uncertainty hanging over them for long enough, it is time for the Minister to make a decision."

(CD/JP)