A mudslide in north Leitrim has been described as disaster which has now become an emergency.
Acres of farmland in the surrounds of Shass Mountain have been totally covered by tonnes of bog and mud in a slide which occurred at the end of June.
The Dail heard that several homes have been evacuated with one house reporting up to nine inches of bog at its back door
It's understood a consultancy firm has been appointed by Leitrim County Council to assess the situation
Concern was also expressed for the Dawn of Hope bridge at the top of the mountain which has survived the slide, but is believed to be under increasing pressure due to ongoing poor weather.
Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin appealed for urgent assistance:
Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan outlined what has been discovered about the slide so far :
