Stormont's Environment Minister Edwin Poots has urged Northern Ireland householders hit by the recent floods to contact their local councils in order to access Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme.

The Minister, speaking from an affected area in Castlereagh, said funds will be made available to local councils to help households.

He said: "Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment.

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"In addition, your council can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household content, assistance in making arrangements to clean up homes and gardens, and by providing de-humidifiers to dry out homes."

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson approved the funding.

He said: "As a locally elected administration, it is only right that we move in any way we can to provide help to local people when they need it most.

"Working with and through councils, the aim of this scheme is to ensure that practical and financial help is delivered to those most severely affected as quickly as possible."

(PR/BMcC)