Press release
Ministers Humphreys and O’Donovan visit householders and business owners affected by flooding in County Louth
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, and Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, today visited business owners and householders in Carlingford, following recent storms in Co Louth.
Minister Humphreys this week secured a further €3 million in funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection, to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding in counties Louth and Wexford following severe weather conditions.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
Following their visit, Minister Humphreys commented:
“Today gave me the opportunity to meet householders and businesses impacted by the floods in North County Louth.
“The effect that these floods have had on families and businesses has been devastating and I know that the clean-up operation will be long and extremely difficult.
“As Minister for Social Protection I wanted to assure those impacted that the government will do everything we can to support families and businesses that have suffered.
“My department’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme has been expanded and payments are being made immediately.
“My officials are also on the ground and ready to help whatever way we can.”
Minister O Donovan said:
“My heart goes out to those communities, families, and businesses that have been subjected to the widespread and devastating flooding across Co. Louth, this week. I have asked the officials in the Office of Public Works to engage with Louth County Council to see what immediate supports we can provide them with now. Separately the OPW will continue to work with Louth County Council on the development of a flood relief scheme and the events of last week will be factored into any design. I expect the Council to start collecting information from the local community as soon as possible that will be fed into the design.”
Minister Heather Humphreys this week secured a further €3 million in funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection.
In addition, Cabinet approval has been given to increase the income limits for the scheme with immediate effect. Income limits have been increased from:
Where a family has a household income over the income limit, a reduced or tapered level of support may be provided.
For more information on the scheme visit www.gov.ie/HAS.
If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.