Minister says flooding task force is an important initiative

Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, said tonight that the Executive decision to set up a task force to look into the Fermanagh flooding is important and welcome initiative.

The Minister said: "Having seen the impact of the flooding at first hand, I sincerely hope the Executive will do what it can for those who suffered as a result of the dreadful weather. That is why I raised the issue at today's Executive and I am pleased that the decision to set up the taskforce was a unanimous one.

"The floods were unprecedented, but we must ensure that the causes are fully explored and what can be done in the aftermath is investigated. We must also plan for the future so that the impact of such weather conditions reoccurring is minimised.

"Most Departments of Government have a role to play in the aftermath of the floods but we need a coordinated and dedicated response. The taskforce can ensure that this happens."

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