Immediate financial supports available to people affected by Donegal floods- McHugh

Immediate financial supports are being made available to people affected by the Donegal floods, the Government Chief Whip has said.

The Department of Social Protection has activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme following Donegal TD and Minister of State at the Department of Culture Joe McHugh’s calls for an emergency fund to be made available earlier this morning.

Minister McHugh said: “I have been in constant communication with my Government colleagues highlighting the need for financial assistance for those affected by the terrible flooding in Donegal.

“I have seen first hand the devastation the flooding has had on local families, homes and businesses, and this fund will help those who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.

“When events like this occur the state needs to help in any and every way we can. The stresses families are under is not to be underestimated and the Government will do everything we can to relieve that stress and support the people of Donegal.

“Financial support under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be initially targeted at the immediate needs of those impacted by the flooding for necessities like clothing and food with further financial support to follow for household items and structural repair as the clean-up operations begin.

“People and families in need of assistance are being advised to visit the local Intreo Centre where our Community Welfare Service Teams are waiting to assist them.

“To ensure we can quickly and effectively meet the needs of those who need our help, the Department of Social Protection has redeployed staff to the offices serving the worst affected areas, notably the Inishowen Peninsula.”

Minister McHugh visited homes in Donegal yesterday where families have lost everything in the flood waters.

Minister McHugh will meet councillors and council staff in Carndonagh later today.

He is also due to visit more homes and businesses on the peninsula which were hit by flood waters.

“We are asking those in need of supports to visit our office however for those unable to travel to our offices they can contact Buncrana Intreo office  on (074) 9364600 or Ballybofey Intreo on (074) 9130490,” said Minister McHugh.