Flood Payments Agreed

Emergency funding has been rapidly approved by Stormont Ministers in the wake of the severe flooding which saw almost a month's rainfall on Saturday alone.

NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson yesterday urged householders hit by the recent floods to contact local councils to help access the Executive's emergency payments scheme.

Mr Wilson said: "Ministers have agreed that, as in the way of the June 2007 floods, funds will be made available to local councils to help those most affected by the recent serious floods.

"Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has now issued to all 26 local councils," he said, noting that individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible.

"It is not a compensation payment," he continued.

"Those who feel they may be entitled to the payment should contact their local council as soon as possible so that an urgent inspection may be arranged.

"If the council decides that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days," he insisted.

"In addition, councils can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household content, assistance in making arrangements to clean up home and gardens, and by providing de-humidifiers to dry out homes."

The Minister continued: "My Department will reimburse councils for the £1,000 payments to individual householders, and for the direct and indirect costs of providing practical assistance and advice.

"The Executive want to help those most severely affected to get back on their feet again and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable.

"Working with and through councils, my aim is to ensure that practical help is delivered to those most severely affected as quickly as possible," he concluded.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that over 300 calls were made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive during the weekend's flash floods, which damaged homes across the Province.

The Housing Executive said it had managed to relocated around 20 families, who had been living in affected owner occupied properties, to temporary accommodations.

The worst affected area were Mid Down, Antrim, Ballymena and parts of Belfast, according to the housing agency.

"Fortunately the majority of calls were not of a serious nature and related to roof leaks, rain penetration and blocked drains," said a spokesperson.

"We are working as quickly as possible to deal with all necessary repairs," she added.

(BMcC)