€70m package promised for flooding victims
Brian Lenihan said the money will also help fund work to minimise the risks of future flooding incidents.
The announcement was contained in a special section in his speech in which he outlined several measures he said are designed to safeguard those worst hit by the recession and the flooding disasters.
“The recent flooding has brought severe hardship on communities in the affected parts of the country,” he said.
“I am announcing today that in excess of €70m will be provided over the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 to help those affected by recent flooding and fund work to minimise the risks of future incidents. The review of investment priorities which will shortly be published will also provide for continued substantial investment in flood relief.
“The Government is keeping this situation under review and will commit further resources as required,” he said.
However, in Cork city alone, which was devastated by the worst flood in living memory three weeks ago, the city council has lodged a €10m claim with the Government to cover its costs associated with its civic emergency.
The council racked up huge bills repairing the Lee Road water treatment plant, on purchasing bottled water and plastic bottles, on replacing mobile homes and on the overtime payments for council workers.
The council is also seeking €18m to upgrade and flood-proof the facility’s plant room and a further €2m to repair the quay walls on Grenville Place and Sunday’s Well.
The Government’s review of investment priorities will shortly be published. Much of the funding, apart from Cork, will likely go to parts of counties Galway, Limerick and along the lower River Shannon.
