Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, T.D., has today announced a Scheme to provide emergency humanitarian assistance for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and affected by recent flooding due to heavy rain.
Minister Humphreys said:
I am aware of the significant impact which the flooding has had, particularly in Enniscorthy in Wexford. This funding will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses, sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations and will assist in getting them back up and running, thereby protecting jobs in affected communities.
Like previous flooding incidents caused by exceptional weather events, the Scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross Society with the details being made available on their website.
Minister Humphreys said:
Businesses are just reopening and getting back on their feet, and the damage caused by spot flooding is a further difficult challenge. Support will be provided for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies who, through no fault of their own, could not obtain flood insurance. The Irish Red Cross Society will administer and make payments under the Scheme on behalf of my Department.
The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.
Financial support is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community and voluntary organisations and will have two stages:
1. The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs for the majority of those affected. The intention is to process payments as fast as possible.
2. In the event, that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support. However, this will be a lengthier process requiring a detailed assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000.
Applications forms for support will be available on the Irish Red Cross Society website: https://www.redcross.ie