The Office of Public Works has given a commitment that work on a long-awaited flood-release scheme for Fermoy in north Cork will begin this summer.
Residents and business people whose homes and premises have been extensively damaged by flooding have criticised the delay in starting the work.
The town was badly hit by flooding yesterday and there were fears that the Blackwater would burst its banks, however the water level has now receded significantly.
The main streets, McCurtain Street to Brian Boru Square, reopened just before 1am this morning. Fermoy bridge and Ash Quay have reopened with no further problems for traffic through the town.
The Park Road and all other roads in Mallow have also re-opened after severe flooding there on Wednesday night.
And flood waters have receded somewhat in Clonmel in south Tipperary.
There were no reports of any houses or businesses being flooded in recent heavy rains but a few roads were nearly impassable.
The Army is on standby in case of rising flood waters at the weekend.
