A new EU fund for disaster-stricken areas could provide financial assistance to relief efforts following last week's flooding.
Labour Party MEP, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, has written to the President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, seeking the emergency aid but says a Government application is required in order for the aid to come through.
He said the EU's recently-created Solidarity Fund set up following extensive flooding in mainland Europe earlier this year could be a source of assistance. Last Friday an aid package worth €700 was approved for France, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.
The Fund was set up to allow for rapid financial assistance in the event of a major disaster. It can be used for, among other things, the restoration of vital infrastructure and equipment.
"In view of the money that has been cut in services it would make sense for the Government to apply," Mr De Rossa told ireland.com.
"The European Union must help Irish authorities respond to this crisis by putting the necessary resources in place to process applications for relief funding as quickly as possible," he said.
It has been suggested that repairing flood-damaged homes, business premises and infrastructure after last week's flooding could cost €50 million.
The Fund has an annual budget of €1 billion but does not provide for compensating individuals. However, while aimed at major disasters where the costs run into billions, it has a clause that allows for exceptional payments.
Providing accommodation and funding rescue services are among the Fund's provisions along with the securing ofpreventive infrastructures and the restoration of infrastructure such as water and waste water schemes and transport also come under its terms.