FIE says proof is not forthcoming it may have no option but to initiate immediate legal proceedings

The pipes will be buried seven metres underground with OPW engineers restoring the land to its original state bar manhole and worker access points.

The flooding at Lough Funshinagh has been an increasing cause for concern for several families in recent years

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