The Government has been blasted for not helping prevent homes being destroyed by floods.
Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane slammed the Office of Public Works today for not responding to her contact in November and insisted something could have been done before now.
It comes as weather warnings for frost, ice and snow are in effect as Storm Christoph batters Ireland.
The five-day weather advisory kicked in at midnight and will run until 11:56pm on Sunday.
And there are fears of flooding as heavy rainfall could see rivers burst their banks, including around Lough Funshinagh in Co Roscommon where people have already had to evacuate their homes.
Ms Kerrane said: “Sad state of affairs in 2021 when a family is driven out of their home due to flooding - flooding that was avoidable.
“Waiting on the OPW for a response to my correspondence from November 3 based on engagement with locals that the flooding was getting worse and action was needed.
“Two months later the OPW tell me of the ‘urgent response’ I will get. About time the OPW were held to account.
“The solution to Lough Funshinagh has been presented to the OPW, funding is needed for an overflow pipe into Lough Ree. Bodies like the OPW need to listen to local knowledge.
“Cost cannot be an excuse when the very existence of communities is at stake.”
Meanwhile, a cold few days are in store, with temperatures dipping to a frosty -3C overnight.
A Met Eireann forecaster said: “Rain in many areas early this morning. It will be heavy at times, turning to sleet or snow in parts of east and south Leinster this afternoon.
“Sunny spells and scattered showers following from the northwest.”
