Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Questions (239)

David Stanton

Question:

239. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if outdoor businesses which have not been able to secure flood insurance and who were subsequently affected by flood damage caused by Storm Babet will be considered for funding under the Red Cross emergency business flood relief scheme; if not, why such businesses are not considered for the replacement of business fixtures and fittings under the scheme; if there exists any scope for the review or appeal of an application refusal in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding scheme is available to businesses with up to 20 employees, (whole-time equivalents), community, voluntary and sporting bodies that through no fault of their own cannot secure flood insurance.

For the purpose of this scheme a small business is defined as one with up to 20 employees (whole-time equivalents). The business premises must have been damaged by flooding caused by the severe weather events which occurred during the period 17th October to 13th November 2023. This fact must be verified by the relevant Local Authority.

At the time of the flood, the business must have been trading and in rateable premises (where the premises is not subject to commercial rates, the applicant should supply a tax clearance certificate as supporting documentation, or where this is not available, a recent official document from Revenue showing the tax registration number of the business).

Where the fixtures or fittings of the business are outdoors due to the nature of the business, they would be considered eligible for the scheme.

The Scheme closed to applications on 15th December 2023.