Pat the Cope MEP urges EU response to floods in Ireland

Mr. President, the house will be aware of the flooding in Ireland over the weekend when considerable damage was caused to many homes, businesses, farms, roads and water supplies. The restoration cost, while too early to estimate could be up to 500 million Euros.

However, to put the appropriate measures in place to ensure that this type of flooding will not reoccur again will cost billions.

It appears that the European Solidarity Fund may be too restrictive to deal with the situation in Ireland. However, I do hope that an application could be considered.

It is absolutely essential that the Regulation is amended to take into consideration the Irish situation. I would hope however that at least a regional application could be favourably considered as the North, West and South of Ireland has been affected in particular.

Many people in my European constituency including in the counties of Galway, Mayo, Clare, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon as well as the South of Ireland have been affected by the horrendous flooding in recent days.

Unfortunately, with high tides and continuous rain it appears that the situation may even deteriorate further.

I am appealing to the European Commission to assist in a pragmatic, urgent and favourable manner.

Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl as ucht deis a thabhairt dom an cheist thábacht seo a ardú faoi fhadhb na dtuilte i pbairteanna den tír.