Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has urged the British government to provide adequate financial assistance to those who have been devastated by the flooding.
The Newry and Armagh MLA spoke after First Minister Designate, Michelle O’Neill MLA met with a number of local businesses in Newry City Centre that were flooded last week.
“This week gave us an opportunity to see the massive damage caused to local premises, leaving local people facing huge repair costs
“This is a time of year when businesses normally look forward to increased trade to support them through the rest of the year.
“For householders, this damage, and the costs to tackle them are another financial pressure at a time when families are already suffering from the financial impact of the cost of living crisis.
“The limited funding announced by the British Government for homes and businesses is not enough to assist with the damage from last week’s extreme flooding and much more must be done.
“Furthermore, this is not new money secured from the treasury, instead he has taken this funding from departments here who are already facing severe pressure to fund our public services amid wave after wave of cruel Tory cuts.
“The British Government needs to fund a scheme that adequately assists those impacted to repair homes, businesses and protect jobs.
“No efforts should be spared in protecting vulnerable businesses, families and communities facing this enormous and unforeseen financial pressure.
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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