Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1385. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding is available via local authorities towards covering the cost of damage to private businesses that were uninsured and which were damaged during Storm Eleanor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36389/18]
View answerSince the severe flooding of winter 2015/2016 the Irish Red Cross has operated a scheme of assistance for small businesses, sporting bodies and community and voluntary groups who have been unable to obtain insurance against flooding and experienced flood damage to their premises. This scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Defence.
In early January 2018, the Government announced the activation of this scheme to provide emergency humanitarian support to small businesses, sporting bodies and community and voluntary groups affected by the flooding arising from Storm Eleanor in the period 2 to 5 January, 2018. The closing date for receipt of applications was 31 January, 2018. A total of €346,285 was paid out to 40 successful applicants under the scheme.
My Department and the local government system have no responsibility for overseeing any scheme of assistance for private businesses affected by flooding.
