FF to lobby for EU Solidarity Funding to help flood victims – Troy

Published on: 11 January 2016


Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath Robert Troy has said his party will lobby officials to grant EU Solidarity Funding to help the victims affected by recent flooding.

Deputy Troy pointed out that Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen will travel to Brussels on Wednesday 13th January as part of an opposition delegation aimed at securing vital financial relief for flood victims.

“Fianna Fáil recognises that much more needs to be done to assist families and businesses that have been hit by the recent flooding. Accordingly our Environment Spokesperson is travelling to Brussels next Wednesday with the aim of securing EU Solidarity Funding.

“Flooding has caused serious hardship to families and businesses in areas such as Athlone. People need financial assistance to make their homes habitable again and to keep businesses open. The Government needs to up its game and secure EU Solidarity Funding without delay.

“Fianna Fáil successfully secured such funding following the flooding in 2009. On that occasion over €13m was granted to Ireland under the EU Solidarity Funding programme. This allowed for the restoration of infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation, increased funding for rescue services and the clean-up of affected homes and businesses.

“The Government has been far too slow to date when it comes to helping the victims of flooding. People feel abandoned as the Government expects them to deal with the fallout of the flooding alone. It’s unacceptable.

“My colleague Deputy Cowen will meet with officials from the office of EU Commissioner for Regional Development Corina Crețu on Wednesday with the aim of securing funding. He will also be meeting with experts on flood defences to try and determine the best way forward for preventing future flooding,” said Deputy Troy.

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