President tours flood-hit areas

The President Mary McAleese is beginning a two-day tour of the areas worst affected by recent floods.

Mrs McAleese will meet people whose homes and businesses have been destroyed and those who were involved in the massive operation to help them.

While Christmas week is in full swing for most of the country, for the thousands caught up in November's floods, life is still only returning to normal.

President McAleese's visit is timed to offer support to them, and to commend the local authorities and services who responded so well when called into action.

She begins the tour with a visit to Cork City Hall this morning, followed by a visit to a housing project for the elderly which was swamped when the River Lee burst its banks on November 20.

Later in the day, Mrs McAleese will visit Cork County Hall, before heading to one of the worst affected towns in the flood, Bandon.

Tomorrow, the President is due to visit Claregalway, Gort, Ennis and Ballinsloe before finishing her tour in Athlone.