Tánaiste to extend Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, community and voluntary organisations affected by the explosion in Creeslough on 7 October 2022

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, today extended the Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for businesses affected by the tragic event in Creeslough, Co Donegal on 7 October 2022.

The Tánaiste said:

"This Scheme was originally established to help businesses with the costs of repairing damage from flooding and weather events, where they could not get insurance through no fault of their own.

"However, extending this scheme on an exceptional basis, will go some way to help businesses and community and voluntary organisations based in Creeslough to get back on their feet after the tragic event there last month.

"The Irish Red Cross Society will administer and make payments under the Scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with the maximum flexibility.

"The Local Enterprise Office in Donegal will also be working with Donegal County Council other agencies on the ground in Creeslough to ensure that those whose properties have been affected are given every assistance possible."

The extension of the Scheme will provide humanitarian support payments towards the costs incurred by small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises in rectifying damage caused by the explosion including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not however provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.

This financial assistance 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
in the event, that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, businesses can apply for additional financial assistance, following an assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of funding available for both stages combined is capped at €20,000

The Scheme will run concurrently with and be complementary to the Creeslough Community Support Fund also being administered by the Red Cross in collaboration with An Post and Applegreen to provide rapid and long-term assistance to the Creeslough community.

Applications forms will be available on the Irish Red Cross Society website.

Tánaiste to extend Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, community and voluntary organisations affected by the explosion in Creeslough on 7 October 2022

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