Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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268. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports which will be made available for businesses in Cork which were affected by recent flooding; and when they will be open for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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On the 10^th of October 2024, this Department opened the Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations who are unable to secure flood insurance and have been affected by recent flooding in County Cork.

The scheme will go some way in assisting businesses, who through no fault of their own, were unable to secure flood insurance, to put right the damage caused by the recent flood and help to ensure they get back up and running as quickly as possible.

As with similar flooding events in the past, the Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the Scheme on behalf of my department. Application forms for support are available to download on the Irish Red Cross website: www.redcross.ie.

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. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.

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. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs of the majority of those affected.

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.