Residents in Passage East are reportedly facing difficulties securing home insurance following flooding in the village earlier this year.

Cllr. Donal Barry raised the issue at the latest Waterford Metropolitan District meeting, saying some residents affected by flooding in January were struggling to renew their cover.

He also said he was aware of a property purchase which fell through after the prospective buyer was unable to secure home insurance because of the flood risk.

Cllr. Barry asked whether Waterford City and County Council could provide a ‘letter of comfort’ confirming that flood mitigation works were underway.

Council management said the local authority could not provide such an assurance, but would discuss the issue further with the Office of Public Works.

It comes after €90,000 was approved by the OPW earlier this week for a flood study of the Brook stream and surrounding catchment area in Passage East.

The latest allocation follows funding announced in April for interim flood protection measures in Passage East, Tallow and along the Colligan River.