The NECG met again this morning to review the evolving severe weather situation and was joined by Ministers Eoghan Murphy and Damien English.
The situation across the country continues to improve with a gradual thaw well advanced in most areas. However, issues persist in many areas principally Wexford, West Wicklow, North Kildare, upland areas in South Dublin and Waterford and across the country, through Tipperary and into South and East Galway.
Work by the local authorities and their contractors continue to provide access to those who have been isolated by huge drifts blocking access. Communities are clearing roads themselves, matching the work of the local authorities in many cases.
Countrywide, the impact on water supply remains one of the big issues to be managed in the days and weeks ahead.
As is now established practice after such severe weather events, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has signalled the Government’s intention to fund local authorities for the exceptional and unbudgeted costs incurred in necessary immediate works associated with significant severe weather emergency events.
Each Department is being requested to quantify, in so far as this is possible at this stage, the estimates for loss and damage incurred within their sector.
Departments will liaise directly with the local authorities and other relevant agencies in relation to funding necessary repairs and restoration through current or capital allocations as appropriate.
In relation to damage to buildings and property which has been caused by the snow and wind, people should in the first instance get in touch with their insurance companies.
There are a number of existing emergency humanitarian support schemes that are operated by different Departments for sectors who may be impacted by flooding arising from severe weather. These include the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The scheme is means tested and assistance is not provided for losses which are covered by insurance or for commercial and business losses.
The Irish Red Cross also operate Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies who are affected by flooding and who do not have insurance in place.
The Department of Agriculture has been working constructively with industry and state services in the immediate aftermath of storm Emma to get the farming sector up and running and fully operational again as quickly as possible. In order to provide ongoing support to the sector the Department runs a number of investment schemes which are already in place.
The NECG will continue to meet and monitor the situation in the days ahead.