EU Legislation should not be a Barrier to Flood Mitigation Measures says MEP
Urges Regional Funds for Flood Prevention
“It’s past time for the responsible agencies in Ireland, be they Inland Waterways, the OPW or the
Department of the Environment to come together and take immediate, informed decisions as to the
dredging of various rivers in order to mitigate future flood risks instead of sitting on their hands,
looking over their shoulders and always blaming Brussels for their inaction.
“When a crisis arises, crisis measures are required instead of constantly second guessing decisions
taken. The responsibility for all of this lies at the door of the Minister and the Department of the
Environment who are in a position to find and implement workable solutions.
This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin following an intervention she made in the
European Parliament in Strasbourg tonight, Monday, December 14th.
Speaking in the Parliament, she said:- “Over the last week excessive levels of rainfall has resulted in
widespread flooding in Ireland and significant damage has been done to people’s homes, businesses
and farmland. While action needs to be taken at national level, there is a European dimension. First
we must assess the damage, to see if there is a basis to apply for the Solidarity Fund. Secondly, we
need to make better use of regional funds to put in place flood defences. The previous
Commissioner Hahn confirmed to me that regional funds could be used for this purpose.
“Finally and indeed the most urgent issue is that time and time again we are told, you can’t dredge
or drain our rivers, European legislation, the Habitats Directive won’t allow it. I don’t believe this
Directive was ever intended to stop reasonable, workable, and effective flood mitigation measures.
We need to get our act together in Ireland, have one body in place, overseeing and managing this
issue and do what needs to be done - do what works!”, Independent MEP Marian Harkin concluded.
Further information from:
Marian Harkin MEP
Tel: +086-8341758
E-mail: marian.harkin@ep.europa.eu
Website: www.marianharkin.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marianharkin
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarianHarkin
"MEP of the Year " Award Winner 2011 & 2012
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