Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government after its failure to complete vital drainage schemes in Bandon, Co Cork.

The party said that flooding would not have occurred if the Bandon Main Drainage and Flood Relief Schemes had been completed as planned.

General Election candidate for Cork South West, Cllr Margaret Murphy O'Mahony, is seeking an emergency meeting with Minister for the Office of Public Works Simon Harris and Minister for Environment Alan Kelly.

She said: "This weekend Bandon has experienced some of the worst flooding since 2009. The entire community is absolutely shattered at this stage and are at a loss as to why vital flood relief and drainage schemes have not been completed to date. Flooding has also occurred in Skibbereen and the community there are also at a loss as to why their flood relief scheme remains in limbo.

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"There is €9.6m worth of funding allocated for the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme. However we are still waiting for this scheme to get off the ground. We have three Government TD's here in Cork South West but they have done little to advance the vital schemes which would help prevent flooding in Bandon.

"In the immediate aftermath of the flooding we need to see Cork County Council do everything in its power to assist in the clean-up of damaged homes and businesses in the town. The Government must also ensure the Taskforce on Emergency Planning continues to meet in the coming days to assess further flood risk and provide the necessary support to help people get back on their feet."

(CD/LM)