Ulster Unionist Party Infrastructure spokesperson, John Stewart MLA has welcomed an announcement from the Secretary of State that £15m will be made available to help those impacted by recent flooding across Northern Ireland.

Speaking as the announcement was made, Mr. Stewart said;

“I welcome the announcement of this financial support for the many business’ that have been severely impacted by the recent floods, it is essential that this money is distributed to those that need it as quickly as possible.

“I was mildly surprised that this was not additional support being allocated from Westminster to address the urgent need, but a reallocation of existing funding from Barnett consequentials that had already been subject to consideration for allocation elsewhere.

“While every penny that can be provided to help those devastated by the recent flooding is welcomed, I cannot help but wonder if the allocation of financial support for similar flooding across the rest of the UK was also redirected from existing budgets or provided as crisis support from the Treasury.”