Humanitarian Support Scheme eligibility expanded in wake of Storm Francis

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, has expanded the eligibility of the Humanitarian Support Scheme for flooding to include areas affected by flooding caused by Storm Francis.

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.

The Tánaiste said:

We have continued to closely monitor weather conditions nationwide, but particularly in the south west region and I want to let businesses in Bantry, Bandon and other affected areas know that the Humanitarian Support Scheme is open to them.

“Storm Francis has caused enormous damage, at a time when businesses are already facing unprecedented challenges and this scheme will hopefully help eligible businesses with the costs of the damage.”

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, said:

“In the past week I have met and witnessed first hand the devastating impact of recent flooding on people and businesses in west Cork.

“I welcome the extension by the Tánaiste of this Humanitarian Support Scheme that provides valuable and vital assistance to affected small businesses and organisations.”

OPW minister visit

O’Donovan visited Cork and Limerick in response to both this week’s and other recent flood events.

He also witnessed and heard, first hand, the devastating impact of flooding on the families, businesses and communities affected.

Minister Donovan stated:

While I am aware that this is the third time in less than two weeks that communities, families and businesses have experienced the devastating impact of flooding, I am also aware that, for many, it is not their first time to have been flooded.

The intense rainfall this week led to river levels in the River Loobagh, which flows through Kilmallock, recording their highest levels since records began in 1985.

This record exceeded the previously recorded highest level by 1ft.