Aid Convoy Reaches Haiti

A 16-truck convoy carrying relief supplies from Ireland is due to arrive in Haiti today.

The aid flight, paid for by the Irish Government, arrived in Santo Domingo in the neighbouring Dominican Republic last night and made it's journey to the Island's beleaguered half last night.

The supplies will be distributed by GOAL and Concern charity workers based around the country, focused in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Speaking today, GOAL CEO John O’Shea said his team on the ground in Port-au-Prince is starting to deliver aid to the most needy while the aid organisation has already received in excess of €750,000 in donations from the Irish public.

"A week has passed since the earthquake struck – and while GOAL is doing what we can and helping the most vulnerable, millions have yet to receive any aid," said Mr O'Shea.

"Major powers have pledged vast sums of cash and troops – but security and access remain critical issues, yet to be resolved.

"In a crisis of this scale, it's imperative that one entity assumes all responsibility. This is not happening in Haiti. The trucks are on the road. We have to hope that the UN can provide the security needed to enable us to start delivering the aid to those in greatest need."

O'Shea's sentiments were echoed by leading seismologist, Professor John McCloskey, a University of Ulster expert who led analysis of the quake that started the Indian Ocean of the Tsunami of 2004.

Professor McCloskey also described lack of planning by the International Community as a "disgrace".

"It is an international disgrace that we appear not to have made the smallest progress in preparation," Professor McCloskey said.

(DW/BMcC)