FLOOD ON THE TRACKS

Call for defence schemes to push on with residents at risk; Only €5.9m of huge €19.3m allocation spent despite damage

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

FLOOD relief schemes are "taking too long to bring to fruition", the Taoiseach admitted, as it was revealed the Government has only spent 30% of its allocation for a national warning system.

Residents whose homes are at risk of flooding were warned again yesterday to take significant precautions.

In the east of the country, heavy rain continues on already saturated ground and high river levels.

Weather warnings were expanded across the island, with Dublin and Wicklow issued a 27-hour Orange rain alert until 3pm today.

Waterford's Orange warning expired at 9am this morning, while Louth is expected to be hit the worst later on today, with Met Eireann issuing an Orange rain alert until 6pm.

Cavan, Monaghan and Meath remain under a Yellow rain warning until 6pm today.

Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Planning Keith Leonard said Dublin, Louth and Waterford remain the "key pinch points" for the next few days.

Mr Leonard has urged those who can work from home today in these areas to do so, as travelling conditions may be dangerous.