The government has been called to make a long term, strategic plan to manage flood risk and defences.

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy made the call after Met Éireann issued another status yellow warning of up to 40mm of rain to fall in Cork and Kerry on Monday, 04 January.

Mr Carthy said: "Unfortunately the scenes we have witnessed of homes and businesses being destroyed in recent weeks have become something we are beginning to get used to.

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"In December my party leader Gerry Adams TD proposed the establishment of a single agency to lead and coordinate flood risk management. He has again written to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD urge him to give this proposal serious consideration.

"The reality is that the government's failure to establish such an agency will leave many party of the state vulnerable to further floods.

"Sinn Féin has committed to bring forward legislative proposals in the event that the cabinet fails to act on this proposal."

(CD/LM)