MEP Gallagher confirms EU application for victims of flooding


- Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP, can confirm that the Irish government will submit an application under the European Solidarity Fund to assist those affected by the recent flooding in Ireland.

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP said today that "the Irish government will submit an application for aid under the European Solidarity Fund to assist those affected by the recent flooding in Ireland. I expect that the application will be submitted to the European Commission in the coming days."

"The damage caused by the horrendous flooding has affected many homes, businesses, farms, roads and water supplies across the country. In November, I took an aerial trip over my constituency to view the extent of the flood damage."

"To achieve aid under the Solidarity Fund, the damage caused in monetary terms must be in excess of 0.6% of national income. This threshold is very restrictive. This week in Strasbourg, I called on the Spanish Presidency and the European Commission to prioritise the reform of the Solidarity Fund. I will pursue this matter vigorously with the new Commission when it is in place."

"However, despite the high threshold limits, I am still confident that an application for funding will be favourably considered in Brussels because of the extent and cost of the damage."

"I will now request a meeting with the incoming EU Commissioner for Regional Development, Johannes Hahn who has responsibility, to discuss the application under the Solidarity Fund and other possible funding sources."



ENDS