Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2015
258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure emergency funds are put in place following the flooding in Athlone, County Westmeath, to support those who have had damages caused to their businesses. [44744/15]
View answerThe Government has allocated a sum of €5 million to be distributed as emergency humanitarian support to small businesses that have been unable to secure flood insurance and have been flooded arising from the impact of Storm Desmond. The criteria for qualification under payment of the scheme are:
(i) Only those small businesses that could not secure flood insurance are eligible.
(ii) For the purpose of this scheme a small business will be defined as one with up to 20 employees.
(iii) The business must have been flooded during the period 4 December 2015 and 17 December 2015 and this fact verified by the relevant Local Authority.
(iv) Any location within the State that was flooded during the period in question is encompassed by the scheme.
(v) At the time of the flood - the business must have been trading and in a rateable premises.
The Irish Red Cross Society have agreed to administer the scheme on behalf of the Government. Application forms for the scheme are available to download from www.redcross.ie.
