The Defence Forces are once again assisting with relief works in County Laois this morning.

A total of 33 soldiers and five 4x4 trucks made their way from the army training Centre in the Curragh at 8am this morning.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said the soldiers are bringing specialist equipment to “assist in flood defence, mobility and clean up tasks.”

Meanwhile, a humanitarian assistance scheme will continue to help people affected by the flooding.

Community welfare centres have been set up in Mountmellick and at the Maldron hotel in Portlaoise, where many of the displaced families are staying.

Yesterday, the Minister of State for flood relief Kevin “Boxer” Moran T.D visited Mountmellick.

He said the Government had pledged funding for small businesses, sports halls and community premises affected by the flooding:

“The commitment is there from Government,” he said. “But also the community has come together and the local authorities.”

“this is a small town but there are 35 homes being affected and that is damaging in its own right.

“It affects me as a person, because I see it so many times and I don’t like the pain it is causing people.”

 

The clean-up operation is expected to last several days and is being co-ordinated by The Defence Forces, the local authority and fire services.