MEP calls on Irish Government to speed up response to offers of help from Germany and Denmark
Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has today said he wants to see more urgency from the government on EU offers of storm aid. The Irish government must to do more to ensure we get much needed aid from the EU to effectively address the ongoing emergency following Storm Éowyn.
The European Commissioner for Crisis Management has confirmed she offered emergency help to the Irish government last Wednesday (the day before storm) but only received a request for help with generator capacity and crews at 4pm on Saturday for the first time.
Speaking today, Ciaran Mullooly said, “I find this inexplicable. Irish water needs hundreds of generators to keep reservoirs open while waiting for the ESB to deal with unbelievable levels of damage. We desperately need those generators to maintain water and proper safety standards for half a million homes.”
Ireland has requested large mobile generator capacity and is currently defining the exact voltages and quantities they need to update their request. Germany and Denmark already indicated that they want to make an offer but they are waiting for the technical specifications from Ireland in terms of what precisely is needed.
MEP Mullooly spoke directly to the Commissioner for Crisis Management and also has been in contact with Commissioner Fitto, who is responsible for Cohesion Funds, to plan for any potential Cohesion Funding which could be used to help Ireland rebuild.
The MEP said, "I welcome the swift response from the European Commission in providing emergency reports, satellite mapping and endeavouring to mobilise vital resources such as mobile generators. However, given the scale of the challenges Ireland faces, it is imperative that the Government requests further assistance, in a timely manner, to ensure all necessary supports are deployed without delay."
"I call on the Government to closely monitor developments and assess additional needs as the situation evolves. The EU stands ready to provide support, and we must not hesitate to ask for it." MEP Mullooly added.
