Executive Statement On Support For Flooding Victims

The Executive today agreed to spend the full £1.3million of additional funding for flooding on preventative measures and preparedness to mitigate future incidents.

dn_screenThe Executive has asked the three Departments dealing with the recent flooding to work with the Finance Department to bring detailed proposals to the next Executive meeting on January 21.

The Executive was briefed on the joint Ministerial flood response meeting held in Cookstown last week involving Regional Development Minister, Michelle McIlveen, Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill and Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan.

Ministers paid tribute to all those who worked through the holiday period in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions to bring relief to those affected by flooding.

There was a full discussion on how resources can be best used to limit the impact on people, properties and businesses.

There was also an agreement the three Ministers dealing with flooding would bring to the Executive proposals in relation to potential support schemes.

The Executive agreed the approach must be balanced, supporting those in urgent need but also having a co-ordinated, strategic, evidence based approach for the future.