Minister urges patience in Shannon flooding works

Government has €430 million available over the next five years for flood prevention

An aerial view of flooding in Loughrea, Co Galway in January. Photograph: Irish Air Corps
An aerial view of flooding in Loughrea, Co Galway in January. Photograph: Irish Air Corps

The Government Minister tasked with putting in place flood relief works in the Shannonside region has called for patience from those worst affected.

Newly-appointed Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Sean Canney has confirmed funding of €430 million is available over the next five years for flood prevention.

The Galway East TD claims that his new role is a statement of intent of the government’s focus on flood relief works across the country, and especially in the Shannonside region.

Many homes and farms across Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon are still trying to recover from devastating flooding last Christmas.

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Speaking on Shannonside’s Joe Finnegan show, the Independent Alliance TD said that the Government is committed to helping those affected by flooding, but progress could be slow.

“What you have is a commitment that everything will be done as fast as possible, but it might not be within a year.”

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