SDLP representative Daniel McCrossan has welcomed the decision of the Rivers Agency to dredge the River Finn following pressure from his party in the west Tyrone area.
The river that forms the border between Tyrone and Donegal has been the source of widespread flooding in the area with Clady in particular badly affected.
Mr McCrossan said: “I am very pleased that the Rivers Agency has at last responded to our calls to have the River Finn dredged.
“Diggers moved on site yesterday and will begin work at the Clady bridge area.
“Relevant authorities in the south must now move quickly to tackle the cross border flooding issue.
“The SDLP have been calling for the river to be dredged after Clady was first flooded weeks ago and again when Storm Desmond hit last weekend.
“The lack of preventative measures has meant homes and businesses were destroyed, lives put at risk and an entire rural community brought to a standstill.
“This news will restore some ease to the local people of Clady but much more needs to be done to enhance the flood prevention measures throughout this area.”