Finneran confirms details of Government response to flooding in Leitrim and Roscommon

Posted on 26/11/09 by Michael Finneran

Minister of State and local Fianna Fáil TD Michael Finneran has confirmed details of the Government response to the flooding in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim and other parts of the country in the past week.

 

 

An initial €10 million humanitarian fund has been established to make funds available immediately to those most in hardship.

 

 

An additional €2 million fund has also been earmarked for farmers who have experienced losses to their fodder.

 

 

Minister Finneran said that these initial significant and speedy commitments by the Government are a good response to what has been a devastating experience for so many people.

 

 

Some water boil notices have been issued in some areas of Roscommon as a result of the flooding and he has asked that people adhere to the recommendations of Roscommon County Council in this regard.

 

 

“The Taoiseach has confirmed that this is just the start of Government assistance. Some people have suffered great losses in the floods and they must be afforded every assistance possible.”

 

 

“The €10 million humanitarian fund will be coordinated between the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the local authorities, and the Garda Siochana and it will be targeted at those in most hardship.”

 

 

“Roscommon farmers whose land has been damaged by the floods will be able to apply for funding under the fodder aid scheme. I am happy that my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, has moved so quickly to make provision for farmers affected by the flooding.”

 

 

“The scheme will require farmers to demonstrate that the fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage and that it was necessary to purchase feed supplies to prevent animal welfare problems.”

 

 

“Details are still being finalised by the Department but anyone wishing to enquire about the Scheme can contact my office in Roscommon.”

 

 

“I have been in regular contact with Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP in Brussels since the flooding started, updating him on developments. He is investigating EU funding options and he has already met with the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy to discuss accessing funding through the European Solidarity Fund.”

 

 

Minister Finneran concluded by paying tribune to the efforts of everyone involved in the management of the flood crisis, from the staff at Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council to the civil defence and local people helping their neighbours in a time of need