Friday, January 22, 2010

Government To Submit Funding Application For Flood Victims – Killeen

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the news that the Irish Government will submit an application under the European Solidarity Fund to assist those affected by the recent flooding in Ireland.

The Clare T.D. said he expected that the application will be submitted to the European Commission in the coming days. He added: "To achieve aid under the Solidarity Fund, the damage caused in monetary terms must be in excess of 0.6 per cent of national income. This threshold is very restrictive. This week in Strasbourg, my party colleague, Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP, called on the Spanish Presidency and the European Commission (EC) to prioritise the reform of the Solidarity Fund. MEP Gallagher has informed me that he will pursue this matter vigorously with the new Commission when it is in place."

According to Minister of State Killeen: "The damage caused by the horrendous flooding has affected many homes, businesses, farms, roads and water supplies across County Clare, in particular in Ennis and South East Clare. The knock on effects of the serious flooding are still being felt in communities throughout the County and, despite the high threshold limits set out by the EC, I am confident that an application for funding will be favourably considered in Brussels because of the extent and cost of the damage."

He continued: “Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council and other Local Authorities in flood-affected areas of the country will be asked to assess the damage in their area before the Government makes its submission.”

Minister of State Killeen also welcomed MEP Gallagher’s confirmation that he is seek a meeting with the incoming EU Commissioner for Regional Development, Johannes Hahn, to discuss the application under the Solidarity Fund and other possible funding sources.