Conway urges Govt to continue efforts to secure EU funding for storm damage

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) welcomed comments from the office of the EU’s Regional Policy Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, that Ireland can apply for assistance from the Solidarity Fund.

“In the immediate aftermath of Storm Christine in Clare, I called on the Government to apply for funding from the EU Solidarity Fund to help address the hardships and difficulties being experienced by people in coastal communities as a result of storm damage.

“I am greatly encouraged that the Regional Policy Commissioner has advised that Ireland can apply for funding within the deadline provided if it informs the Commission that additional information will be submitted at a later point.

“The EU Solidarity Fund was created in response to severe flooding in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and France during the summer of 2002.

“It is possible to access this funding if the majority of a population of a region are hit by serious and lasting effects in living conditions and stability, a definition which could certainly be applied to the destruction which has been wrought on coastal communities and low lying areas around the country.

“I once again urge the Government to push ahead with an application to this fund and to liaise with our European partners as a matter of urgency to alleviate the grave hardships suffered by those affected by the flooding.”

ENDS