The Government has been asked to provide Exchequer funding for people affected by the landslides in Co Mayo over the weekend.
Mr Michael Ring TD (FG), said that Mayo people must be treated in the same way as people from the Taoiseach's constituency who were affected by floods last year.
Mayo IFA Chairman, Mr Michael Biggins, has called for the area to be declared a disaster zone. "Funding should be provided immediately. The Government can then claim it back from the EU. It is also time for the Taoiseach to visit the area and view the consequences of the landslides first hand," he said.
Local farmers held an emergency meeting last night to assess damage to livestock and property.
Mr John Carty TD (FF), said that he has asked Junior Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher to examine the funding issue immediately. Damage to Mayo County Council infrastructure has been estimated at around €3 million by Ms Beverley Flynn TD (FF), who has asked that senior Ministers visit the scene of the disaster. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, has promised to visit the area. There is growing concern over the location of a radar station on top of the mountain affected by the landslides.
Mr David Coyle from Glengad, the worst affected village in the area, said that some people were worried about the radar station on the mountaintop, which is used to guide aeroplanes travelling en route to North America.
He also said some local people are still fearful of further rainfall because of the instability of areas of the mountain. It is believed that landslides occurred in 22 different areas around the mountain.
Mayo County Council has set up a 'weather watch' in conjunction with Met Éireann. Local people will be advised if heavy rainfall is expected. The council is also working with local community members to re-erect toppled gravestones in the local cemetery. All roads have been re-opened, some temporarily, with water and services all re-connected to the affected villages.
Bord Pleanála decision vindicated: Frank McDonald: page 14