Major Flooding Swamps The West Of Ireland

Last Monday, as a result of widespread flooding in Ireland, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government confirmed that the (ERCC) Emergency Response Coordination Committee met in The National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre (NECC) for the fourth consecutive day. 

The meeting brought together Department of the Taoiseach, the OPW, the Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard, Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Gardai, the Department of Health and Children,  Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Met Éireann .

Widespread flooding is still being experienced throughout the country with areas in the west and south still badly affected. 

There has been some improvement in the south as flood levels have subsided slightly.

However, Met Eireann has predicted further heavy rainfall which will exacerbate the current situation.

Areas in the Lower Shannon region are under high flood alert as the river Shannon is very swollen. 

Local authorities are coordinating efforts in the region assisted by the Defence Forces and the various agencies.   A meeting of the Mid West Region Emergency Committee was also taking place today.

Last Sunday night Athlone experienced flooding and a small number of people were evacuated from their homes.

The Barrow River burst its banks and Kildare County Council requested the assistance of the Defence Forces to provide sand bags and personnel. A small number of people have also been evacuated in Roscommon.

The representative of the Defence Forces outlined the resources they have made available to assist in the crisis.

Approximately 600 personnel have been deployed, 75 special vehicles are at the disposal of Las, one Naval ship has been made available in the Cork area and several helicopter flights have already taken place. 

Some 50,000 sandbags have also been distributed.

Government announces 10 Million Euro Fund To Assist Flooding Victims

Last week, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D., announced that the Government has agreed to set up a €10 million Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damage to their homes.

According to Minister Hanafin, "the Government recognises the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country. Community Welfare Officers are currently making payments to families who need urgent financial assistance with basics such as food, clothing and bedding. Hundreds of families have also been provided with temporary accommodation. This funding will continue to be disbursed to individuals and families as required."

In addition to this, a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is being set up to provide means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes.

"An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose," she said.