SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said that the heavy flooding across the North West has brought into stark focus the importance of a functioning Assembly.
Scores of homes were damaged as a result of the thunder storm and torrential rain which hit Derry and Tyrone last Tuesday night.
Mr Durkan said: “The heavy flooding across the North West has brought into stark focus the importance of a functioning Assembly.
“As local people struggle to rebuild their homes and businesses, they are met with obstacle after obstacle.
“The scenes of devastation and the stories of desperation are harrowing as people try to rebuild their lives.
“More can and more should be done.
“If the Assembly was in place, one option would be to make readily available schemes easier for flood victims to access.
“For instance, the criteria for the boiler replacement scheme may be too stringent for all those affected to apply, but a minister and Assembly could and should be examining how we can help all those affected to avail of this support.
“While the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme for flood victims is in place, it doesn’t extend to local businesses and community organisations.
“This is something the SDLP has already asked all Party Leaders to agree to so that support could reach non-domestic properties.
“Farmers who have lost their livelihoods are crying out for help.
“Without intervention to support the grassroots efforts, local people and our local economy will continue to suffer. This is the real human cost of political failure here, it cannot and must not be allowed to continue.”
