Minister Hogan pours cold water on storm aid

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has poured cold water on the chances of Ireland accessing the EU solidarity fund for repairs and rebuilding after severe storms battered the country.

TDs from across the country outlined how their constituencies were hit from the winter storms over the last month and how funds were badly needed for repairs.

Some raised the plight of fishermen whose equipment was smashed on the rocks, while others outlined how beaches and coastal amenities were wiped out and how homes were damaged.

Mr Hogan said Ireland was subjected to a series of severe storms from Dec 13 to Jan 6.

He brought a report to Cabinet last week outlining €65m in damage to public amenities across counties, including roads and infrastructure, but which did not include private businesses and homes.

He told the Dáil yesterday his department had asked local authorities for detailed reports by Feb 14.

An application to the EU solidarity fund was also being considered, he said. The fund is to respond to major natural disasters and disaster-stricken regions. In Ireland’s case, such a successful draw down of the fund could amount to €770m, he added.

However, Mr Hogan revealed that assistance in such exceptional cases was at the very low rate of 2.5%.

He also told the Dáil: “Moreover, while two thirds of applications are made on the basis of exceptional circumstances, most fail.

“An additional factor is that, for the budgetary period 2014-2020, the annual budget for the fund has been halved from €1bn to €500m and the European Commission has indicated future grants are likely to be 50% lower than previously.”

Ireland applied to the fund in 2009. While damage then was estimated at around €520m, just €13m was made available, TDs heard.

Fianna Fáil tourism spokesman Timmy Dooley, who represents Clare, said a plan was needed to address coastal erosion, in addition €24m in funds needed for public repairs in his county.

Sinn Féin TD Sandra McLellan, representing Cork East, called on the Government to introduce its proposed climate change legislation, adding that her home town of Youghal had seen a lot of damage.

Dublin North TD Clare Daly said that trees and the boardwalk at the seaside town of Portrane were just washed away and homes along the beach area were now in danger.

Independent Kerry South TD Tom Fleming suggested the total bill for damages to properties nationwide could reach €300m.

Kerry, which has Ireland’s longest coastline, was “battered and bruised”, he said.

In one area, 20 acres of sand dunes were wiped away.

Wexford Independent TD Mick Wallace said that the sea had moved into the road in his own constituency. Many lobster and crab fishermen had seen their pots destroyed, he said, seeking funds for them.