Storm funding waiting game

THE local authority is playing a waiting game for Government funding for damage caused to coastal areas during Storm Emma.

It has submitted a claim for €1.23m for money paid to contractors and €2.89m for repairs to roads.

Director or Services John Carley said a positive outcome to the application is expected in the near future.

Mr Carley said: ‘We are expecting a communication from the department about when we will be paid outstanding monies for the works that we took on ourselves.’

Cllr Robbie Ireton complimented the council staff on their detailed report. Describing as ‘un- believable’ the amount of work they carried out, Cllr Ireton was joined by Cllr Paddy Kavanagh in his praise. ‘We all take for granted that someone is there taking care of us. There was a nerve centre there that took care of us to a high degree.’

Cllr Jim Moore said: ‘We have all learned a lot of lessons not only during Storm Emma but also during Storm Ophelia. The report was testament to the collaboration between all of the services.’

He said the council should consider providing a booklet informing people how to cope during a storm. ‘You can’t access the internet without electricity. I was amazed by the number of people who didn’t realise that you can charge their phone from their car,’ he said.