Defence Forces Press Office

20 November 2008.  12.00.

110 soldiers, 15 off road trucks and 4 flat bottomed boats are now operating in Cork city, Bantry, Clonakilty, Ennis, Clonmel and Ballinasloe, to assist stemming the tide of the floods and to provide trucks with high ground clearance to allow movement through the flood water.  The Defence Forces are fulfilling these requests for assistance from County Councils, Local Authorities and the HSE.

We have contingency plans in place to continue this assistance over the weekend if required.  Air Corps helicopters on standby for emergency assistance also, but due to the bad weather will only be used in exceptional circumstances. 

We have been receiving direct requests from homeowners, however we are responding to requests from local authorities and the HSE as a priority to deal with the needs of communities as they decide.

ENDS.