The Government has announced a €9 million package to tackle flooding in the Co Laois town of Portarlington.
Under the plan, floodwalls and embankments will be built through the town along the banks of the River Barrow and its tributaries.
Laois County Council has been forced to leave a number of key sites in the town unzoned or zoned as open spaces due to the fact they are at severe risk of flooding.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Tom Parlon said: "We can look forward to a 100-year standard of protection to properties at risk and at the same time radically improve the development potential of the town."
The flood risk and management strategy will involve a joint operation by Laois and Offaly county councils and the Office of Public Works.
