Flooding at Whitehouse outside Derry in August 2017 which left scores of homes ruined
It follows the announcement of a £1 million assistance package for businesses affected by Belfast’s Primark fire.
MLAs for Foyle and West Tyrone have questioned why the same rationale was not applied to those devastated by last August’s flooding.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan commented:
“Whilst I welcome the positive announcement of a Cross-Departmental funding package for Belfast-based businesses adversely affected by the Primark fire, it is disheartening to say the leas that the same rationale was not applied to businesses in the North West decimated in last year’s flooding.
“The SDLP fervently appealed for help and funding for those affected, including farmers who had lost their livelihoods.
“At the time we urged Mr Sterling to extend the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme to local businesses and community organisations and to explore what other help could be provided.
“However, this proposal of ‘tailored assistance’ was dismissed by Mr Sterling in the absence of ministerial direction.
“Let me be clear, we welcome efforts to assist businesses in Belfast but this does little to allay the perception that citizens in our constituencies have not received equal treatment or that their plight did not warrant similar focus or consideration in their time of need.
“I hope Mr Sterling can explain this reasoning and clarify how the Civil Service determine whom or where assistance can and cannot be provided,” added Mr Durkan.
