EU Solidarity Fund vital post Ophelia – Richmond

Fine Gael Senator and spokesman on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond, has stated that the EU Solidarity Fund will be vital for the post Hurricane Ophelia recovery efforts in Ireland.

“The EU Solidarity Fund was set up in 2002 following severe floods in Central Europe. 

“Its primary function is to provide financial aid to disaster stricken regions across Europe. Since 2002 it has been utilised for over 76 such disasters including earthquakes, forest fires and floods.

“Given the huge amount of damage inflicted across the country by Hurricane Ophelia, Ireland will be eligible for such funds.

“Any application has to be received by the European Commission within 12 weeks of any disaster occurring. 

“This is not a rapid response tool but it will be vital to the post storm recovery and I have no doubt the Government will apply to draw down these funds once the initial emergency and relief measures are attended to.”