FF to call emergency local authority meetings to discuss flooding crisis – Cowen

Published on: 04 January 2016


Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen has confirmed that his party is calling for emergency council meetings in each of the local authorities affected by the flooding crisis.

Deputy Cowen says such meetings are needed to evaluate ongoing flood relief efforts, to prepare for future storms and to assess the emergency funding needs to help families and businesses affected by the flooding.

“The Fianna Fáil representatives on local authorities in areas affected by flooding are calling for emergency council meetings to be held immediately to discuss this national crisis. These meetings should be held before the end of the week at the very latest,” said Deputy Cowen.

“It’s clear that the ongoing flooding is causing mayhem in areas such as Offaly, Galway, Longford, Kilkenny Wexford, Clare and Cork. The people affected by the flooding have had their lives placed on hold. They need immediate assistance from their local authorities, who in turn need to be supported by central Government.

“The purpose of these emergency council meetings is to assess the ongoing flood relief efforts being undertaken by local authorities. Furthermore they offer the opportunity to plan ahead for the next possible storm to help minimise the impact of future flooding. These meetings will help ensure a co-ordinated response to the crisis by each local authority alongside agencies such as An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, OPW, Defence Forces and Fire Brigade personnel.

“Each local authority also needs to assess the financial impact of the flooding and the funding that they need from central Government to help repair damaged homes, businesses and roads. The Government can only make an accurate funding allocation once this process has taken place,” said Deputy Cowen.

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