Call for 'immediate support schemes' for those affected by Killybegs flooding

Pat the Cope Gallagher has called upon the Government to immediately hold an incorporeal meeting of the Cabinet to give effect to support measures for those that are subjected to flooding in Killybegs, and indeed elsewhere within the county and state following Storm Bert over the weekend.

The Fianna Fáil General Election candidate asked that the following measures be activated and immediately open to applicants for support and assistance- an Enhanced Emergency Business Flooding Scheme and a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

Procedurally the Government needs to approve each of these schemes in order to open them for applications, the schemes which will apply to Donegal are identical to the support schemes applied to Midleton Cork last year.

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“The Minister for Housing and Local Government Darragh O'Brien has contacted me and has also been in direct contact with Donegal County Council,” Gallagher said on Saturday night.

“It’s essential that every support be made available, and the state support these businesses, households and property owners in order that they can return to normality after the severe flooding witnessed by them. These support schemes include a provision for an upfront payment to assist businesses and households in getting back on their feet. I expect the Cabinet to grant approval to these measures either Sunday or first thing Monday as time is of the essence.”