Kelly urges EU to stand with communities who suffered storm damage

Seán Kelly MEP urged the EU to stand with the communities across Ireland and Europe who suffered huge economic losses during the recent storm damage, in an address to the EU Commissioner for Regional Development and MEPs at the European Parliament, Strasbourg today (Thursday).

“It is important that we send a clear message that Member States should carry out a comprehensive analysis of the storm damage and make applications for EU solidarity funding.

“Granted it is not as big a fund as it was, but at times of crisis people look to the EU for help. This is a golden opportunity to stand with those who have suffered enormously,” Mr Kelly told the Parliament.

The South MEP said his constituency had seen enormous damage in December, January and even more so in the most recent storms, citing examples in Cork, Clare, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and beyond.

Farms, houses, roads, beaches and more have been severely damaged and people are seeking help to cope with the difficulties that have ensued, Mr Kelly said.

Since his meeting with Commissioner Hahn over storm damage in January, the situation became increasingly worse in Ireland – but he thanked the Commissioner for his flexibility and understanding of the issue.

Concluding, the Fine Gael MEP added: “We should be encouraging people to apply for EU Solidarity funding, and say we stand by them. It is time for us to stand by our own in Europe so they can get help.”