The Government  has allocated a €15 million flood relief fund which will deal with the immediate causes of hardship, discomfort and relocation caused by the recent storms according to Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Mr. Kenny told the Dail that structures for the relief programme were now in place, and an update would be provided on the emergency response tomorrow.

Speaking yesterday the Taoiseach said “That work is being done in conjunction with local community organisations such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul, community councils and residents’ associations. The results are reported to the Department of Social Protection, which has already made payments in a number of areas for the provision of immediate relief, including food and clothing.’’

On Monday, he said, he had visited Spanish Arch in Galway. Speaking about the damage he saw as a result of the flooding the Taoiseach said “The power of the water coming out of Lough Corrib was indescribable in its ferocity. Even if one had 5ft or 6ft high walls down to the open sea, when there is a tide that is 20ft higher than normal, it inevitably backs up.’’