The Minister for Transport has announced €85m to help local authorities deal with the impact of recent flooding.

The money is being allocated to repair infrastructure damaged by a series of storms this winter.

Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the money is being made available immediately to local authorities to allow them begin work immediately.

In addition Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Irish Rail are to receive €8m each.

Paschal Donohoe has said the package includes a focus on local and regional roads.

“We said we would put in place a plan to deal with the amount of damage that was caused to our country.

“All the local authorities came back to us with proposals regarding how they would fix roads and repair bridges.

“We are making available €85m to begin immediate work on making local roads fit for use.”