Decision not to seek EU funding for Galway flooding criticised
Galway Bay fm newsroom - North West MEP Jim Higgins has slammed the Environment Minister over his decision not to apply for EU disaster funds for the recent storm damage.
Phil Hogan recently announced that Ireland would not meet the threshold conditions to apply for aid from the EU solidarity fund.Thousands of acres of land across the county are still submerged by flood water following the recent storms and heavy rain, and many families have been forced to flee their homes.The County Council estimates repairs for the recent storm damage at over 18 million euro, while the City Council says its bill will top 1.3 million euro.The Government has provided 70 million euro for repair and remediation and 25 million euro for humanitarian assistance.MEP Higgins says he was told this week by the EU Commissioner for regional policy - Johannes Hahn - that Ireland could still apply for the fund.