The Church of Ireland has set up a flood relief fund in a bid to help those experiencing "extensive hardship" as a result of the heavy rainfall.
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland yesterday asked members to "respond with generosity" to the Church of Ireland Flood Relief Appeal.
A spokesman said: "Extensive hardship is being experienced in many places across the island of Ireland as a result of recent floods.
"People have been left without food, shelter, warmth and clothing as a result of flooding and water damage," he said.
"The Archbishops and Bishops are leading a Church of Ireland response to this crisis to raise funds to provide small grants to help people with immediate needs. The Archbishops and Bishops are therefore asking members of the church to respond with generosity to the Church of Ireland Flood Relief Appeal.
"Funds will be administered with the help of Protestant Aid, a charity with extensive experience in providing welfare assistance and, where appropriate, through parishes or other local agencies and charities".
Individual donations to the Appeal can be made online at www.ireland.anglican.org/flood or by cheque (euro or sterling) to The Representative Church Body, Bishops’ Flood Appeal at Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67.
There may also be special parish collections at Sunday services over the next two weeks.
Applications for assistance can be made to rectors or, in the case of parish vacancies, to rural deans or diocesan offices.
