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For Written Answer on : 23/01/2024
Question Number(s): 238 Question Reference(s): 2596/24
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 if he is considering supporting owners of business properties who were not operational and not covered by flood insurance at the time of the flooding caused by Storm Babet so that the property can be repaired for future business use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding scheme is available to businesses with up to 20 employees, (whole-time equivalents), community, voluntary and sporting bodies that through no fault of their own cannot secure flood insurance.
For the purpose of this scheme a small business is defined as one with up to 20 employees (whole-time equivalents). The business premises must have been damaged by flooding caused by the severe weather events which occurred during the period 17th October to 13th November 2023. This fact must be verified by the relevant Local Authority.
At the time of the flood, the business must have been trading and in rateable premises (where the premises is not subject to commercial rates, the applicant should supply a tax clearance certificate as supporting documentation, or where this is not available, a recent official document from Revenue showing the tax registration number of the business). Some businesses which were temporarily closed at the time of the flooding may be eligible as long as they had been trading in the 6 months prior to the date of flooding (to cover seasonal businesses etc) and that the support provided will be used to get the business back up and running.
Financial assistance by way of a low-cost loans may be available from Microfinance Ireland to small businesses that cannot get loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including re stocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure are also available which could fund the refurbishment of premises or the replacement of equipment.
The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Schemes closed to applications on 15th December 2023.
