Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of expenditure expended through the Red Cross to assist businesses affected by flooding in 2023 to date; if he intends amending the scheme to cover businesses with partial flood insurance cover who were severely impacted by flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2223/24]
View answerThe purpose of the Emergency Humanitarian Flood Relief Scheme administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is to provide urgent funding to small businesses (up to 20 employees), community and voluntary organisations affected by flooding who were unable, through no fault of their own, to secure flood insurance. The Scheme provides a contribution towards the costs of returning such premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
The Irish Red Cross paid out a total of € 3,300,428.18 in 2023 on behalf of my Department in respect of 3 severe weather events.
Severe weather event in Co Kerry and Co Wexford during the period 17th June 2023 to 26th June 2023.
Severe weather event in Co Donegal in July 2023
Storm Babet and Storm Debi during the month of October and November 2023, affecting Counties Cork, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Louth.
Of the €3,300,428.18 paid out in 2023, €3,272,428.18 was paid out to 157 applicants in respect of flooding as a result of Storm Babet and Storm Debi during the months of October and November 2023, the application process for which closed on 15 December 2023. The remaining payments for this Scheme are due to be paid out in the coming weeks.For businesses who had partial flood insurance, financial assistance by way of low-cost loans may be available from Microfinance Ireland for businesses with up to 9 employees that cannot get loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including re stocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure are also available, that could fund the refurbishment of premises, or the replacement of equipment damaged by the flooding.
