Having visited affected communities with An Taoiseach and An Tánaiste, the Minister said, "I saw first-hand the devastation that this event caused to people, businesses and communities". For many, this was not the first time they had experienced flooding, and in places including Enniscorthy, Arklow and Aughrim it came ahead of flood relief schemes being delivered.

After meeting Chief Executives and Directors of Services from the eight local authorities, along with elected representatives, the Minister thanked councils for their response during Storm Chandra. He acknowledged their commitment to quickly identify and bring forward flood protection measures to help mitigate the impact of a similar event before next winter.

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The once-off funding is an informed response to Storm Chandra. The Minister said the measures being progressed will demonstrate how local authorities can proactively introduce interim protections in their areas, including through the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

He added that details will shortly be announced to increase the threshold for this scheme from €750,000 to €2m, enabling all local authorities to better plan and implement localised solutions to flood risk.