Tánaiste announces extension of Humanitarian Support Scheme following Storm Ellen

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD has today announced an extension to the Humanitarian Support Scheme for flooding in light of the damage caused by Storm Ellen this week.

The Tánaiste said:

"It’s been a really tough week for the people of Skibbereen and West Cork. This flooding is an enormous blow at an already difficult time. We are extending the Emergency Humanitarian Aid scheme to provide emergency funding to help businesses, community and sporting groups get back on their feet."

The original Scheme was announced earlier this month to provide urgent funding to small businesses, community and voluntary organisations in the South West region who were affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall. As a result of further damage caused by this week’s storm the Scheme will be extended to other affected areas and the closing date for applications will also be extended.

The Emergency Humanitarian Scheme provides urgent funding to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations who could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged by recent exceptional weather events.

Minister of State for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan said:

"I have visited Skibbereen and I have seen the damage caused by the recent flood event. It is important that those that have been affected are supported and the extension of the Humanitarian Support Scheme will be of significant assistance to businesses in the town."

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

The Emergency Humanitarian Scheme

The Scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross Society on behalf of and funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as has been the case for similar weather events in the past.

Financial support 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. 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
in the event that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, businesses can apply for additional financial support. 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.

Tánaiste announces extension of Humanitarian Support Scheme following Storm Ellen

Notes to the Editor:

The Emergency Humanitarian Scheme

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