Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over plans to build concrete barriers along the river outside Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim.

Spokesperson on the Office of Public Works (OPW) Eugene Murphy said the barriers will only push the flood waters further downstream and risks flooding rural areas outside of the main town.

Deputy Murphy said: "The current plan fails to address the root of the problem. There's no reference to cleaning or dredging the rivers or even widening them and it has no solutions to deal with flooded turloughs. Areas like Lough Funshinagh, Dysart and Castleplunkett were severely hit in the winter floods, with many farmers only getting back on their feet in the last number of weeks. They cannot afford another winter like 2015 – they simply won't survive.

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"The Government and Minister Canney have adopted a hands-off approach to this crisis situation. Some minor works have been carried out but the bulk of the problem has still not been addressed, and unfortunately the proposals that are before the consultation process will do little to improve the situation.

"The Department should be engaging with people who have lived in the region and who know the area well, rather than pushing ahead with flawed proposals."

(CD/MH)