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For Written Answer on : 30/05/2024
Question Number(s): 163 Question Reference(s): 24558/24
Department: Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment the total amount expended on the Red Cross emergency flood relief scheme in each month from October to December 2023; the number of small businesses, sporting clubs and voluntary bodies that have received a payout to date; the number, if any, of applications that are still being processed per local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The purpose of the Emergency Humanitarian Flood Relief Scheme administered by the Red Cross on behalf of my Department is to provide urgent funding to small businesses (up to 20 employees), community and voluntary organisations affected by flooding who were unable, through no fault of their own, to secure flood insurance.
The Scheme provides a contribution towards the costs of returning such premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
On 24 October 2023, Government approved two Emergency Business Flooding Schemes for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and impacted by severe flooding in Counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and Louth and other areas affected by flooding in the period 17th October 2023 to 5th November 2023. Both schemes closed to applications on the 15th of December 2023.
The total amount expended from October to December 2023 was €3,272,428.18 with €1,367,282.34 expended in November and €1,905,145.84 expended in December.
261 small businesses, sporting clubs and voluntary bodies have received payments to date. There are 21 outstanding applications that are still being processed and these are listed per local authority area below:
| Local Authority Area | Applications in Progress |
| Cork | 14 |
| Galway/Louth/Waterford | 7 |
| Total | 21 |
