Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I deal with facts. Tá an fhírinne searbh.

Priority needs to be given flood defences in our county. When I, along with the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, and Deputy Pearse Doherty, visited the Castlefinn Partnership Initiative, we saw the Government and council made no contribution whatsoever. All the flood defences were carried out by locals. I hope we do not have a repeat of this in Inishowen.

Why did the Government not apply for EU solidarity funding? I was in Europe when the Shannon burst its banks. At the last minute, at the 11th hour, I convinced the then Minister, Brian Lenihan, to apply for it. He instructed the Department to apply for funding. We were told it did not tick the boxes or fit the criteria. However, we got €13 million from it. That was €13 million less of a burden on the Exchequer. Now the Government has decided not to apply for solidarity funding, despite the fact the UK Government secured €60 million from the same fund with Brexit looming. Is it too much work? Should the Government have not applied? I suggest the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, should look at this again. However, I am afraid it might be too late.

Donegal County Council has applied for €15 million, a conservative figure. That is to be additional over and above what will be provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. There should be ring-fenced funding for sporting facilities. We must ensure there is provision to compensate farmers who have lost crops because of adverse weather conditions.

There is a legal and moral responsibility on the Government to deliver on the promises made. It is critical that the necessary investment is provided without delay.

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