Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which a person whose business has been affected by flooding applies for aid schemes; and if the scheme available to business owners is also available to agri-business owners. [3535/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the financial supports available for businesses that have been adversely impacted by recent flooding. [3675/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
On Thursday 27th February 2020, I announced the opening of a Scheme to provide an emergency humanitarian contribution to small businesses (including agri-businesses which comply with the qualifying criteria), community, voluntary and sporting bodies for damage caused by flooding arising from severe weather conditions during the week commencing 23rd February 2020 and subsequent weeks.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with my Department, the Irish Red Cross administers the Scheme on behalf of my Department.
The scheme provides for a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning small businesses (as defined up to 20 employees), sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition. This will include the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. In the first instance, only those small businesses and bodies which could not secure flood damage insurance are eligible. Furthermore, the scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.
The scheme contains two stages as follows:
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. The intention is to process payments as fast 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. However, this will be a lengthier process requiring a detailed assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000.
Further information on the Scheme including eligibility criteria and application forms for support are available on the Irish Red Cross website by accessing the following link:
https://www.redcross.ie/national-news/humanitarian-flood-support-scheme/
