merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, has announced the provision of a humanitarian flooding scheme to provide emergency assistance for small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community organisations unable to secure flood insurance, which have been affected by flooding over the last twenty four hours.

Similar to previous flooding incidents, the scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross with the details being made available on their website shortly.

Minister Kehoe said “The Government has moved to have this scheme operational as quickly as possible and in a manner which is designed to be straight forward to best assist those who have been affected. The Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the scheme.” 

The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning business, sport 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 good-will.

Minister Kehoe stated that “My thoughts are with the people who are suffering as a result of this flooding event.  The humanitarian scheme will go some way to alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses, sports clubs and community organisations and assist them in getting back up and running”.

The scheme 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. This will commence immediately and the intent is to process payments as speedily 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. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000