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Midlands Minister Wants Hardship Fund For Flooding Victims

Wednesday, 4 March 2020 16:14

By Ellen Butler

He says flood defence efforts can take a serious financial and emotional toll on communities.

The Taoiseach and Agriculture Minister are looking into setting up a hardship fund for the victims of flooding.

OPW Minister, Athlone's Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, also says the Social Protection Minister has also been directed to look into providing financial assistance to those who need to use pumps to defend their properties from flood water.

Westmeath County Council isn't expecting river levels to increase in the coming days.

Minister Moran says flood defence efforts can take a serious financial and emotional toll on communities who continually struggle with this issue:

Statement from Westmeath County Council:

Water levels in the River Shannon have stabilised in recent days at 39.34mOD, which is 8cm above the level on Friday 28 Feb, prior to Storm Jorge.

The combination of permanent and temporary flood defences in Athlone town continues to be effective in preventing significant flooding and it is anticipated that river levels will not increase in the coming days. However, the medium term forecast is uncertain and the river may remain at current levels for the next week or more.

The inundation of rural areas adjacent to the Shannon continues to cause major issues for rural residents and farmers, and the Council, assisted by the Defence Forces, will continue to provide a transport service for as long as this is required.

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