Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
640. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish a flood damage relief fund for sports clubs affected by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal, as has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for farmers and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/17]
View answer641. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans to provide for premises of a boxing club (details supplied) in view of the fact the premises has been significantly damaged by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal. [39809/17]
View answer642. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans to provide for a club (details supplied) whose premises and facilities have been significantly damaged by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal. [39810/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 to 642, inclusive, together.
My colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe TD, has already announced a scheme to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to organisations (including sporting bodies) unable to secure flood insurance and affected by the recent flooding in Donegal.
Accordingly, in the first instance I would urge any sporting organisation affected by the floods to contact the Irish Red Cross who are administering the scheme.
If there are sporting clubs in the area impacted by the flooding but whose damage is deemed to be outside the terms of the Irish Red Cross scheme, they should contact the Sports Capital Unit of my Department. My Department has already received some such requests for funding which are currently under consideration.
I have personally visited a number of the clubs in question, in the company of Minister Joe McHugh, and I am aware of the challenges they face. I am eager to assist in any way I can.
