The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed says climate change could mean more extreme weather events, such as the flooding seen in Donegal this week.

As many as 500 homes are believed to have been damaged by floods which have affected parts of the north-west since Tuesday.

The Defence Forces will continue to assist in the clean-up operation.

A platoon of troops - with 30 personnel and four vehicles - have been deployed in Buncranagh, Clonmany, Carndonagh and Burnfoot.

Donegal County Council has been promised the necessary resources to provide relief.

Its offices in Buncrana and Carndonagh will remain open over the weekend to continue to respond and offer support those affected.

The council can be contacted outside office hours by calling 074-91-72288.

A counselling service is also being offered through a dedicated HSE Helpline for Flooding - this is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm on 074-91-67558.

Minister Creed believes the Government need to meet their global responsibility to tackle the effects of climate change.

"I think with climate change we're going to see more extreme weather evens of this kind.

"It is questionable what any State, and what this Government, can do - but the most important thing is that the Government responds appropriately.

"It's also important that in the bigger picture context that we play our part in terms of the appropriate policies to deal with climate change".

"We need to invest in flood relief measures - but bear in mind, and anybody who has put a foot in the Inishowen Penninsula in recent days will tell you, that people up there say this is not an area that has previously been subject to flood risk".