The Government has been accused of being "far too slow" at helping the victims of flooding in Ireland.

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath Robert Troy has said his party will lobby officials to grant EU Solidarity Funding.

He said: "Flooding has caused serious hardship to families and businesses in areas such as Athlone. People need financial assistance to make their homes habitable again and to keep businesses open. The Government needs to up its game and secure EU Solidarity Funding without delay.

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"Fianna Fáil successfully secured such funding following the flooding in 2009. On that occasion over €13m was granted to Ireland under the EU Solidarity Funding programme. This allowed for the restoration of infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation, increased funding for rescue services and the clean-up of affected homes and businesses.

"People feel abandoned as the Government expects them to deal with the fallout of the flooding alone. It's unacceptable."

(CD/LM)