Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Dara Murphy, has welcomed confirmation that €2.8m is being allocated to repair the roof of Kent Station in Cork, which was severely damaged in the recent bad weather.

Deputy Murphy added that the funding underlines the Government's commitment to helping communities affected by the storms.

Mr Murphy said: "This funding is being provided as part of a total of €5 million being allocated to Irish Rail to deal with the damage caused to the rail network by the severe weather. The fact that Kent Station is to receive more than half of the money being allocated nationally illustrates just how badly it has been damaged.

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"The roof of Kent Station was dramatically ripped off by high winds in December, and indeed it was miraculous that no one was seriously hurt. The station is a key part of the city's transport infrastructure, and I am pleased that the Government has responded so quickly with this funding.

"The Minister for Public Transport, Alan Kelly TD, has said the funding will go towards the full repair of the roof with an additional €500,000 for renewal works on depot buildings. I hope this work can be carried out without delay.

"It is important to add that the Government is making a total of €70 million available for communities affected by the storms, in addition to the €25 million already announced for Department of Social Protection's Humanitarian Assistance schemes. I am hopeful that communities in Cork will benefit significantly from this funding."

(CD/JP)