Flood aid set to be increased

The Goverment has said it is to increase aid to flood-hit areas around the country.

The Goverment has said it is to increase aid to flood-hit areas around the country.

The move follows a Cabintet meeting this morning.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen had hinted yesterday that the €10 million in emergency funding for those affected by the flooding crisis would be increased if necessary.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith today visited flood-affected areas in Co Galway including a number of farms to assess the full effects of the past week's floods.

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Mr Smith was accompanied by local department officials and officials from Teagasc who have been working closely with local farmers and representatives from farm organisations to address the difficulties caused by the flooding, including the loss of fodder.

Mr Smith described the situation he witnessed today as "devastating for those involved" and said that the Government was "continuing to do all in its power, in both urban and rural communities, to alleviate the worst affects of this unprecedented flooding crisis."

The Irish Red Cross and the St Vincent de Paul Society have also set up special funds for financial donations.

The Defence Forces said almost 100 soldiers in 24 support vehicles remain in Cork and Athlone providing emergency assistance to civil authorities for flood relief.

Homes have being evacuated in Glasson, Co Westmeath, and army personnel are providing a bus service for people stranded in the county.

Boil water notices remain in place in north Cork city and Limerick.

Meanwhile residents in Clonfert in Co Galway are now trying to save their homes as waters rise.

Elsewhere Clare County Council revealed that while the ESB will not be releasing any additional water from Parteen Weir overnight residents remain on flood alert.

“We are awaiting the effects of high Spring tides and additional rain fall which are both due early next week,” said a spokesman.

“The large volumes of water causing problems in Galway also has to come down stream.

“The people who have already evacuated remain evacuated and others remain on alert,” he added.

Additional reporting: PA