The Government has been slammed over its planning failures on how to deal with the flooding crisis in Ireland.

Sinn Féin TD and Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD is calling for national and local plans to be put in place to deal with flooding.

He also asked why the Government have not declared a National Emergency and appealed to the EU for assistance from the Solidarity Fund.

Mr Stanley said: "In some local authorities, the number of outdoor staff has been slashed by up to 30%. This has had a serious debilitating effect on the capacity of councils to affect repairs and flood prevention measures such as basic maintenance work like clearing culverts. This is no criticism of the frontline staff who are at the pin of their collar these past few weeks, saving homes and properties. Some of the fault for this lack of funding lies squarely at the feet of Government. Short-sighted austerity has come back to haunt us once more.

-- Advertisement --

"Serious flooding has occurred in areas such as Shanahoe, Clonterry and Mountmellick. A submission is with the Department of Public Expenditure and the OPW to raise and strengthen the roads in both these locations where homes have been cut off.

"It is beyond time for this Government to declare an Emergency and ask for assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund."

(CD/LM)