An Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for small businesses damaged during Storm Bert will remain open until 9th January 2025.
The support scheme opened on 27th November for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations that were unable to secure flood insurance and affected by flooding during Storm Bert in the period 22-25 November 2024.
Killybegs was severely impacted by flash flooding when a fallen tree diverted water into the town centre.
The emergency support scheme, administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will remain open for applications over the Christmas period until 9 January 2025.
Enterprise Minister Peter 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
Application forms for support are available on the Irish Red Cross Society website.
