Deirdre Clune: State needs to apply for EU assistance after major flooding

Ireland lost out on getting EU funds to help with the clean up from the last major flood but the Government should make an application to help with the aftermath of Storm Desmond, warned MEP Deirdre Clune.

The European Commission has said that if the cost of the direct damage of the storm is more than €803m, it can help, provided the Government applies within 12 weeks of the storm hitting the country.

Ireland did not qualify for funds 18 months ago following the severe storms but after flooding in 2009 the EU contributed €13m towards the clean up.