Minister Gormley promises flood guidelines

Environment Minister John Gormley said today that his department will issue guidelines on flooding in the coming weeks.

The minister is in Carlow this evening to assess the damage caused by severe flooding in the town.

Parts of Carlow were submerged in almost 2m of water when the River Barrow burst its banks after heavy rain and flash flooding this weekend.

More than 100 people had to be evacuated from their homes near the river banks and several streets were closed.

Local authorities are meeting tonight to discuss the implementation of urgent flood relief projects.

Minister Gormley also said that building on flood plains would have to be stopped.