Irish aid depot to improve response to world disasters
The depot, holding stocks sufficient for a community of 10,000 people, will operate in conjunction with the main depot in Brindisi in Italy run by the World Food Programme (WFP).
Tomorrow, Irish Aid will deliver its first shipment to areas in Pakistan affected by flash flooding.
It will include 10,000 litre water tanks, 1,800 mosquito nets and 7,650 blankets.
On a visit to Brindisi yesterday, Dermot Ahern said the depot would provide Irish people with a sense of ownership over Ireland’s humanitarian work.
“In the Curragh, we will charter a flight if an event happens like the tsunami. We will be linking in with the other partner countries and organisations and deliver supplies as they are needed,” he said.
The minister anticipated that within an hour of a disaster occurring, a sophisticated supply chain would be able to access some of the most inaccessible places in the world.
In an effort to bolster volunteer numbers and provide the public with a visual image of the impact of their Third World donations, a volunteer centre is to open in Dublin in October.
“It’s basically a shop front to assist people to understand where their money is being spent and to help young people who seek a career in overseas development aid issues,” he said.
To date this year, Ireland has donated €15.41 million to the World Food Programme.
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