The leader of the Social Democrats has called for "long-term solutions rather than short-term sticking plasters" in order to address flooding in Co Cork.
Holly Cairns said home and businesses in Bantry that were impacted by flooding over the weekend should "be given immediate financial supports".
Cork County Council reported that 20 properties were impacted by flooding in Bantry.
Up to 65mm of rain fell locally in a 12-hour period while a Status Orange warning was in place for Cork, Kerry and Waterford.
Bantry is a high risk area, having flooding four times in 18 months between 2018 and 2020.
A flood relief scheme is currently in planning.
"Flooding at the weekend in Bantry was disastrous - but, regrettably, it was not surprising," Ms Cairns said.
She added: "In 2020, many of the same premises were devastated in serious flooding and, despite assurances that works would quickly commence to alleviate the issue, nothing has been done.
"It is extremely demoralising for business owners, many of whom are already under extreme strain because of the high cost of doing business, to have to now deal with the damage caused by repeat flooding."
The Cork South-West TD said that commercial rates for businesses should be waived "at a bare minimum" to help them with clean-up operations.
"Grant supports must also be extended to those whose homes have been damaged. Further supports, if necessary, must also be extended from central Government."
Taoiseach Simon Harris yesterday said that the Government will ensure the people impacted by the flooding in Bantry are supported.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Harris said "we will ensure those impacted are supported".
However, Ms Cairns said the Government "must also provide a credible and rapid timeline outlining when improvement works will commence".
"We cannot allow a situation in which people in Bantry are expected to just put up with flooding on a regular basis. Works must commence to improve the culvert system and on flood relief as soon as possible," she said.
Ms Cairns added: "Four years ago, senior minsters made promises to the people of Bantry that this flooding issue would be addressed. Nothing has happened in the interim.
"The Government now has serious questions to answer about its failure to act and the slow pace of the response to this predictable and inevitable threat."
Read more: 'It's like deja vu' - Bantry businesses hit by floods
