Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has welcomed the announcement of two Government schemes to support people and businesses affected by flooding.
The Department of Employment and Social Affairs has activated the Humanitarian Assistance scheme for householders, while the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD has announced the opening of a scheme to provide assistance for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations unable to secure flooding insurance.
Minister Canney said: “I strongly welcome these schemes which will support those suffering hardship as a result of the current floods.
“The scheme for clubs, businesses and organisations will help them to get back up and running.
“For householders requiring immediate assistance, financial supports will be made available. They will apply where people are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repairs.
“I am very pleased that the Government has acted as quickly as possible in providing these schemes.”
The small business and clubs scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross. It provides for a maximum of €20,000 in support. Further details are available at www.redcross.ie .
Support for householders will be assessed by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s Community Welfare Staff, who are engaging with local authorities to determine the level of service required.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
February 28 2020

EDITORS NOTE

Humanitarian Support Scheme for Small Businesses affected by Flooding
The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.
The scheme is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community and voluntary organisations and will have two stages:
1. 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.
2. In the event, that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support. However, this will be a lengthier process requiring a detailed assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000.
Applications forms for support will be available on the Irish Red Cross website: https://www.redcross.ie
DEASP Humanitarian Assistance scheme
The Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection has activated the Humanitarian Assistance scheme to support householders affected by flooding following the recent storms and heavy rainfall.
The Department’s Community Welfare Services staff are engaging with the relevant local authorities and will continue to assess the level of service required in each of these areas. This interagency response ensures that supports will be provided to those affected as quickly as possible.
Financial supports will be made available to householders requiring immediate financial assistance.
This Scheme provides assistance to people whose homes are damaged by flooding or severe weather events, who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.
The Department is monitoring the evolving situation and updates will be placed on the Department’s website www.gov.ie/deasp and on Twitter @welfare_ie
The scheme is means tested and assistance is not provided for losses which are covered by insurance or for commercial and business losses. Further information on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/12e880-humanitarian-assistance-scheme-swa/