Call for urgency as ‘devastation’ of Waterford fire raised in European Parliament
Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion raised the case of the Tycor Business Centre in Strasbourg recently
The “devastation” of the fire at the Tycor Business Centre in Waterford city has been raised in the European Parliament.
Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, spoke on the subject during a recent sitting of the parliament in Strasbourg.
MEP Funchion said: “I want to raise the recent fire that we saw in the South East of Ireland recently, which destroyed the livelihoods of many in Waterford city in particular.
“I want to commend our emergency services, particularly in Waterford city and also in Kilkenny that assisted with the fire. The local authorities also acted very quickly.
“We have seen devastation though for businesses, for those who are working in those industries and also for many community groups and those that deal with people with disabilities.”
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She went on to call for urgency on the Government’s distribution of its support package to affected businesses.
“I do understand that a recent package has just been announced by the Irish Government, which is welcome.
“But we do need to see these funds actioned as a matter of urgency. We’re into the second week now of those workers having no income, having no certainty in terms of their work and their livelihoods, all on the back of a cost of living crisis.
“So any assistance has to be actual real assistance that will benefit workers and particularly those in the community sector.”
MEP Funchion concluded by calling on the European Union to do “everything it can without delay” to assist those affected.
The fire, which broke out in the Tycor area on May 9, caused extensive damage to the roof and inside of the building.
Whilst no one was injured, the fire has come as a big blow to a number of local businesses whose premises are located in the building.