The government is being urged to implement a proposal to help protect homes, businesses and farm land in Shannon, Co Clare, from flooding.

Sinn Féin TD for the Offaly and North Tipperary Constituency, Teachta Carol Nolan, made the call after extensive flood damage was caused in the area last year.

Teachta Nolan said: "In my own home county of Offaly, we witnessed significant flooding in areas such as ShannonBridge, Banagher and Shannon Harbour.

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"Many people across the midlands are terrified at the prospect of further floods this year.

"People are particularly concerned at the apparent inaction of this Government to alleviate flooding risk.

"It was reported in April that the steering group established by the Office of Public Works on the issue of flood risk had not met for four years.

"We have also had inordinate delays in the preparation of a flood risk management plan for the River Shannon that was due to be complete in July. Many fear that the delay in preparing the plan will mean that there is little prospect of action in advance of the winter months."

(CD/MH)