Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
16. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many businesses in Cork received emergency supports following floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51375/23]
View answerOn the 24th of October 2023, the Government activated enhanced emergency business flooding humanitarian schemes that provides support of up to €100,000 to business, community, voluntary and sporting bodies. The Schemes now covers areas impacted by recent severe weather events including Counties Cork, Galway Waterford, Limerick, Louth, Wexford, and Kilkenny.
These schemes provide urgent assistance to businesses that were unable, through no fault of their own, to get insurance to help with the costs of repairing the damage caused by flooding.
The Irish Red Cross are administering and making payments under the Schemes on behalf of my Department. The Red Cross has distributed a total of €636,232 to businesses in Cork as of Friday the 17th of November. This funding has been administered to a total of 44 businesses.
The Red Cross is currently processing applications and the number of applications by businesses community, voluntary and sporting bodies in Cork is expected to rise as the closing date for receipt of applications is Friday the 15th of December 2023.
It is a priority of Government to provide the necessary emergency funding to those affected by these terrible flooding events.
