Minister Peter Burke has confirmed that the fund which can be accessed by small businesses who were impacted by recent flood damage will remain open until January 9.
On the 27th of November 2024, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment secured Government approval to open the Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and affected by flooding during Storm Bert in the period 22nd – 25th of November 2024.
The Scheme administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the department will remain open for applications over the Christmas period until the 9th of January 2025.
Minister Burke said: “We are keeping the scheme open to allow extra time for those affected by Storm Bert to finalise their application.
“I appreciate that businesses are extremely busy at this time of year, and this additional week will allow eligible business owners to apply to this fund over the course of the next week.
“The first payment of up to €5,000 is paid as quickly as possible, and a further payment of up to €20,000 can be made after an assessment if the damage is more significant.
“Storm Bert wreaked significant havoc during November, and Government is committed to assisting with costs in the event that insurance cannot be secured.”
The scheme is a humanitarian support payment towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
This financial support is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community and voluntary organisations and will have two stages:
- The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. The intention is to process payments as fast as possible.
- In the event that the premises has incurred significant damages above €5,000, businesses can apply for additional financial support, following an assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined is capped at €20,000.
Applications forms for support are available on the Irish Red Cross Society website.
Photo: Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
