Flood-hit Wexford businesses to benefit from increased emergency support

Flood-affected businesses, community organisations and sports clubs in Wexford are set to benefit from increased Government support under the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme.

Flood-affected businesses, community organisations and sports clubs in Wexford are set to benefit from increased Government support under the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme.

The maximum level of support available under the scheme has been increased from €20,000 to €30,000.

The scheme is available to small and medium-sized businesses with up to 50 employees, as well as community, voluntary and sporting organisations which have suffered flood damage and are unable to obtain flood insurance.

An initial emergency payment of up to €5,000 is available, followed by additional support based on an assessment of the damage.

Another change means the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, can now activate the scheme following severe flooding without having to seek further Government approval.

It is hoped this will allow financial assistance to reach affected businesses and organisations more quickly.

Fine Gael Senator Cathal Byrne has welcomed the changes, saying Wexford knows only too well the damage and disruption caused by flooding.

He says increasing the maximum payment to €30,000 reflects the rising cost of repairs and rebuilding and will provide much-needed support to those affected.

Senator Byrne also said the ability to activate the scheme more quickly will be particularly important for businesses dealing with damage, lost stock and disruption to their operations.