Ireland will need sustained investment in flood relief for at least 15 years, according to the Minister for the Office of Public Works.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Martin Mansergh said the Government can 'only do so much' in relation to flood relief in the short term.
He said that Ireland has the most extensive flood defence programme in the history of the State, with 40 minor flood reliefs schemes announced in Galway since last November.
Mr Mansergh said he envisaged a spending of between €10m to €12m over the next two years on schemes in south and east Galway.
However, business people and farmers in the south of the county say they do not believe there will be flood prevention measures in place before next winter.
Many fear a repeat of last year's flooding with further heavy rains forecast.
South Galway farmer Michael Kelly said there was no evidence that work had begun on any of these schemes.
He said the neglect of the Dunkellin river in Ardrahan had left people in the area facing what he called 'another winter of fear'.
Gort businessman Mike Finn is trying to sell his furniture store after it was almost wiped out by November's floods.
He said he does not the heart to continue in the absence of any Government support.
Mr Mansergh will visit Galway later this week to discuss to flood relief issues.
