Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called on the European Commission to expand EU funding supports for communities in the South East of Ireland following recent severe flooding.

Speaking on the floor of the European Parliament this morning, Ní Mhurchú urged the EU Commission to increase the European Solidarity Fund, which assists member states in the aftermath of natural disasters and to widen its scope to include investment in modern weather-warning systems and flood-defence infrastructure. 

Her intervention came as she pressed EU officials to provide financial support for ongoing clean-up operations and long-term flood-prevention measures in the South East.

Ní Mhurchú highlighted the scale of the damage caused by Storm Chandra, which brought extensive flooding to counties Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford, affecting families, businesses and farmers across the region.

Addressing Commission representatives during the debate, she said the current structure of the EU Solidarity Fund must be strengthened to cope with the rising frequency of climate-related disasters.

“Europe will see more weather-related natural disasters in the years ahead, and a solidarity fund of €1.1 billion no longer appears sufficient,” Ní Mhurchú said.

“EU solidarity must be more than a principle — it must deliver practical help to communities when they need it most. That is why I want to see the fund expanded to include flood defences, early weather-warning technology and other preventative measures.” She added.

Ní Mhurchú said she will continue working with colleagues in the European Parliament and the Commission to secure the resources needed to support recovery efforts and to better protect the South East against future extreme weather events.

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