By Dan Walsh
An Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme to assist small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations, unable to secure flood insurance and affected by recent flooding events in New Ross has been opened.
Deputy Paul Kehoe said; “I contacted the Tánaiste as soon as I was aware of the impact of the flash floods in New Ross and I received his assurance that a fund would be opened as a matter of urgency. I welcome this move and hope that it serves to mitigate the damages caused by this weather event.
“I hope this funding will go some way towards helping those businesses get back on their feet. After what has been a really tough couple of years, managing flood damage is the last thing they need. We want to help them get back up and running as quickly as possible,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.
As with similar weather events in the past the Irish Red Cross Society will administer and make payments under the Scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The funding 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 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, businesses can apply for additional funding, 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 will be available on the Irish Red Cross Society website.
WexfordLocal.com 