Hundreds of acres have been underwater for the last five years since the major floods of 2015

There's relief among farmers and residents in the Lough Funshinagh area of south county Roscommon today with the announcement that a permanent solution is to be provided to alleviate flooding.

There are fears locally that the coming winter will see major flood damage to the community should nothing be done to protect residents.

The decision to intervene further is prompted by recent reports and a hydrological update

There are calls for the planning process to be speeded up to try and save homes and farms facing the threat of rising flood waters

The Agri Minister admits the EU rules around grants means farmers with land underwater cannot get special payment grants from Europe

Residents in the area are worried that it might be too late to save their homes and farms.

Residents are hopeful that a recent meeting with European experts will help progress plans to reduce rising water levels in south Roscommon