Flood-hit families to get no aid from Government

Helpless flood-hit families in Cork city and county will receive no direct aid from the Government.

However, stricken businesses in many county towns and the city’s northside may benefit from state supports after the June devastation.

Mixed messages from politicians have added to the pain of householders who suffered flooding.

Cork-based minister Simon Coveney has claimed he spoke with Finance Minister Michael Noonan and a fund would be set up for businesses without insurance.

However, the scheme will not apply to uninsured householders who will have to make desperate pleas to community welfare officers.

Cork Lord Mayor John Buttimer has appeared to contradict his Fine Gael colleague, Mr Coveney.

Cork’s first citizen insisted Environment Minister Phil Hogan was “confident a specific flood relief fund would be made available” to aid residents.

Mr Coveney, meanwhile, suggested homeowners with no insurance can visit their community welfare officer which can organise financial assistance through the Irish Red Cross.

“The community welfare office will act fairly but if you have plenty of money in the bank, obviously you won’t get anything,” the minister stated.

However, St Vincent de Paul vice-president Brendan Dempsey said he would like to see all families getting immediate support.

“Disasters like floods hugely affects people with their backs-against-the-wall,” said Mr Dempsey.

He also said a large number of people in Cork’s flood-stricken areas have contacted the charity for financial assistance.