Minister Rabbitte welcomes financial support for Galway during Storm Debi

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Flooding | 0 comments

Minister for OPW invited to Galway to see first-hand the damage caused

Minster for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte TD, has welcomed confirmation that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is being made available to support those living in properties directly affected by flooding in County Galway following Storm Debi.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.

After visiting areas impacted by Storm Debi earlier today, including the Claddagh, Oranmore and Clarinbridge, Minister Rabbitte commented:

We’ve seen the recent devastation in the likes of Middleton in Cork, and to now see it on our doorstep in Galway really shows the upsetting impact the weather can have, and so quickly too. I have visited and met a number of people this morning who are simply reeling after the devastation caused to their properties overnight.

I’m pleased to see the Government hasn’t been slow to respond, with confirmation coming that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is open and support is available. Importantly, the government has moved to recently increase the income limits for the scheme from:

€30,000 to €50,000 for a single person

€50,000 to €90,000 for a couple

€10,000 to €15,000 per dependent child.

If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.

I’ve been raising the issue of flooding for several years now, particularly along the Shannon, so, unfortunately, I’m well used to seeing the devastation that can be caused by extreme weather. It’s a reality that’s known all too well in East Galway, with Storm Debi the latest event to bring severe floods to people’s doors.

and she concluded:

I placed a request with the Minister for OPW Patrick O’Donovan this morning to visit the affected areas around the county and I’m told it’s being considered in the context of the wider damage caused by Storm Debi and other areas that need to be considered.