The Government has been slammed over its planning failures in relation to the ongoing flood crisis in Ireland.

Sinn Féin TD and Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said it could have been prevented if the Govt has not slashed public budgets.

Deputy Stanley is calling for National and Local plans need to be put in place to deal with flooding.

He 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.

"In the case of Portarlington, Laois County Council wanted to carry out dredging work on the River Barrow in the Portarlington area to alleviate the flooding in Spa Street and Botley Lane and were prevented from doing so by the Inland Fisheries. Where there is a risk of flooding to people’s homes, environmental regulations alone cannot be allowed to stop the necessary work.

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

(CD/LM)