THE GOVERNMENT is to apply to Europe for disaster relief funding for last November’s flooding. The total damage will have to be nearly €1 billion for Ireland to qualify for money through the European Solidarity Fund.
The fund, set up in 2002 after the flooding which affected central Europe and has given €1.5 billion in emergency relief money to date, including nearly €500 million to Italy after last year’s earthquake.
To qualify for funding, the damage must be at least 0.6 per cent of gross national income which, in Ireland’s case, was an estimated €160 billion last year.
Local authorities will be asked to assess the damage in their area before the Government makes its submission by the month’s end.
Speaking in Strasbourg, MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher said he and other Irish MEPs will be lobbying the commission to lower the threshold for relief needed which, in Ireland’s case, will be €973 million. “It gives us a strong case to go to the EU commissioner for regional development to consider the application even if the extent of the damage is not that high. As far as Ireland was concerned, it was a natural disaster,” he said.
Mr Gallagher said there may be a case for including the hardship caused by the recent cold snap. Funding could also be accessed through a regional fund which provides money for affected areas which suffer long-term hardship due to natural disasters, he added.
The Government will look for about €50 million for remedial flood works. Even if the commission makes funding available, it will not be used to compensate businesses or individuals. The Government has provided €12 million for emergency relief which included €2 million for farmers.