Galway application for flood relief funding to be fast-tracked

Minister Hayes gave his assurances to Galway West TD Sean Kyne, who says emergency funding may also be made available to Galway County and City Councils following recent storm damage throughout the county.Meanwhile, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar told Deputy Kyne that he is awaiting damage reports from the county council on the impact of the storm on the county's infrastructure.It follows earlier calls by Galway Senator Trevor O'Clochartaigh and city councillor Peter Keane for a government response to problems faced by local authorities.This weekend, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment said all requests for additional funding will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.Footpaths, roads, sea-walls and piers have been damaged or destroyed by recent stormy conditions, with Spiddal, Ballyconneely, Roundstone and other parts of the Connemara coastline seriously affected.In the city, a number of homes and businesses were affected in the Spanish Arch, Flood Street and Grattan Road areas as well as along the promenade in Salthill.This afternoon, MET Éireann issued an upgraded 'status orange' weather warning- with possible gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour in exposed coastal areas and a high risk of more flooding.Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, Deputy Kyne says substantial funding will be required for necessary repair works.