Row in Cabinet over flood relocation scheme

A scheme to relocate flood-hit homeowners may be widened after disagreement at Cabinet over who is eligible to apply for the special fund.

The scheme to help owners find a new home was not agreed at Cabinet yesterday, after one Independent minister insisted the categories of owners who could apply must be expanded.

It is understood Environment Minister Denis Naughten wants concessions given to owners who may have a history of flooding on properties and not just people who have experienced once-off floods.