A resident in Burnfoot clears their home following Tuesday night’s flooding. Streets were turned to mud as the deluge washed through.
SOCIAL Protection Minister Regina Doherty has activated a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to help those worst hit by Tuesday night’s flooding.
The programme will initially target those in greatest need and who require clothing and food. Financial assistance will become available as clean up operations commence.
Welcoming the launch of the scheme, Donegal TD and Government Minister Joe McHugh said, “I am grateful to Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty and her officials who have today activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme 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.
“Financial support under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be initially targeted at the immediate needs of those who may have been directly impacted by the flooding ( such as clothing, food) with further support available (financial support for household items and structural repair) as the clean-up operations begin.
“People and families in need of assistance are being advised to visit the local Intreo Centre where our Community Welfare Service Teams are waiting to assist them. To ensure we can quickly and effectively meet the needs of those who need our help, the Department has redeployed staff to the offices serving the worst affected areas, notably the Inishowen Peninsula.”
“We are asking those in need of supports to visit our office however for those unable to travel to our offices they can contact Buncrana Intreo office on (074) 9364600 or Ballybofey Intreo on (074) 9130490.”
Staff from the Department of Social Protection will be on the ground this morning in Donegal to assist in the coordinated Government response. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Department of Social Protection’s local Community Welfare Service is in contact with the local authority.
Joe McHugh added that he would be visiting homes, farmers and businesses affected by the floods.
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