Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has called on the European Commission to provide emergency aid to assist constituents affected by the extensive flooding which hit the North West last week.
Mr Nicholson made the request for assistance alongside Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness in a joint letter to European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.
Ms McGuinness, a fellow member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, represents the Midlands-North-West constituency, parts of which have also been badly affected by the flash flooding.
Jim Nicholson said:
“Last week’s heavy rain and flash flooding have caused unbelievable levels of destruction in parts of Northern Ireland and in neighbouring Donegal, with many homes and businesses affected, plus key infrastructure and sports grounds damaged.
“Farm businesses have been hit hard, the flood water has caused extensive damage to farmland and many farmers and growers in the affected area have lost livestock and crops.
“While the full extent of the flood damage has yet to be quantified by the authorities I believe it merits attention at EU level. This is why in conjunction with Mairead McGuinness MEP I have called on the European Commission to work with officials in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to establish the full extent of the problem and to provide emergency assistance to those affected as a matter of urgency.
“It is important that all avenues for helping those affected by the flooding are fully explored and I will do everything possible to investigate and access potential assistance from the EU.”