Flood talks to look at levies, relocation

Large insurance levies and the relocation of thousands of residents from flood-prone areas are both being considered by the Government to help address the flooding crisis.

A relocation scheme administered by local authorities where the State would buy affected homes could be examined by early spring, coalition sources said last night.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said the State could not continue to pump funds into protecting areas which would constantly flood.