Call for immediate financial support for those affected by Newry floods

Local public representatives have called for immediate financial support for businesses affected by the devastating Halloween floods in Newry

Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor said “The scenes we have witnessed in recent days have been unprecedented.  The damage caused to businesses and other properties locally is devastating and could, in the worst cases, take months to repair. 

“In the meantime, the loss of income to businesses and financial burden placed on all those affected needs to be addressed as a priority matter by relevant government departments and, in light of the lack of a functioning Assembly, the Secretary of State.

“UK Government and local Departments need to provide financial support measures to businesses, residents and community and voluntary organisations who have been impacted by flooding.  A lack of an Executive must not allow the delivery of such support to be hindered in any way."

Cllr Taylor added “There is also an urgent need for the Department for Infrastructure to undertake a review of the flood defence measures across all areas impacted, particularly in those places that were so badly affected.

“I would hope that the necessary departments are working together to present a cross-departmental strategy on dealing with worsening flooding to be considered as a priority for any incoming Executive.

“I want to offer my sincerest thanks to all those staff within the statutory agencies who have been working around the clock to respond to the flooding incidents.  Thanks also to members of the local community who stepped up to offer their services voluntarily as the crisis unfolded.  Their support was vital at a time when resources were stretched to the limit." 

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has called for an immediate package of support to assist businesses and households and has requested urgent meetings with Stormont’s top civil servants to secure emergency funding to support business recovery and to ensure that Newry is protected from future flooding disasters.

Mr McNulty said  “People are all still in a state of shock and are reeling from this week’s devastating flooding.  I have spoken with families who are faced with homes that have been destroyed and businesses that have been wiped out.  I want to thank everyone who dropped what they were doing to support the relief effort – from ordinary people who carried and distributed sandbags to the farmers who brought equipment and machinery to affected areas to pump water away, it was fantastic to see community spirit in action.

He believes there are serious questions that need to be answered, chief amongst them being about adequate fore warning and preparation. The MLA added "Now and urgently we need to see an unprecedented level of financial support made available by government in the aftermath of this unprecedented level of destruction.

“Finally, we need to see immediate and decisive action from government departments to ensure this never happens again.  We need an investigation into the decisions leading up to Wednesday’s devastating floods, and we need a multi-agency approach to eliminate the risk of such an event taking place again. 

“My laser focus is now on securing the support packages and future planning that the people, families and businesses I represent need and deserve.”

South Down MLA Patrick Brown also emphasised the need for an urgent financial input. Mr Brown said "I am deeply saddened by the devastating damage the recent flooding has had on local businesses, organisations and residents in Newry and Downpatrick. I am fearful many businesses will not be in a position to reopen before Christmas or at all.

"The impact of the flooding damage has the potential to dramatically hurt our local economy if a financial package is not in place to help businesses recover quickly. Alliance representatives and I have been advocating and lobbying the Secretary of State, UK Government, Invest NI and council for this much needed cash injection in Newry and Downpatrick. Alliance will continue to outline the devastating impact upon our district if no recovery fund is put in place."