Costello announces victims of Typhoon Haiyan to get additional €3m

Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello has said an additional €3 million in assistance will go to communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The funding will support local efforts to build shelters and re-establish people’s livelihoods, particularly in fishing and agriculture.

More than 14 million people were affected by the typhoon which struck last November.

This funding brings Ireland’s total contribution to the typhoon response to more than €7 million.

Mr Costello, who is visiting Tacloban in the Philippines, said he was shocked by the scale of destruction in the area. “It is only when you see it at first-hand, that the enormity of the task becomes clear,” he said.

Although an enormous amount had been achieved over the past four months, millions of people still required urgent assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, he said. Irish Aid is continuing to monitor the needs on the ground.

“This funding underlines Ireland’s continuing commitment to supporting the Philippine government and the communities devastated by Typhoon Haiyan,” he said.

Ireland is committed to supporting the Philippines over the longer term, particularly as international attention has shifted elsewhere”, the Minister said.