It follows comments by Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who has criticised President Higgins for signing the EU Habitats Directive into law in 1997 while Minister.
The Roscommon-South Leitrim TD says the Directive is preventing “badly needed” dredging and drainage work on rivers and streams around the country.
President Higgins is visiting flooded communities in Galway and Wexford today.
Speaking in Labane in South Galway, President Higgins praised locals for their spirit, and said environmental concerns must not be set aside for short-term flood relief.
