Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
575. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the number of applications that his Department has received in 2026 under the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/26]
View answer576. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the number of applications that his Department has fully processed and paid out in 2026 under the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12730/26]
View answer577. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the number of applications that his Department has received in 2026 and have not yet been paid out under the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/26]
View answer578. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the number of applications that his Department has received in 2026 but were rejected under the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12732/26]
View answer579. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the total amount paid out to date in 2026 under the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12733/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 575, 576, 577, 578 and 579 together.
On the 29 January, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment activated an Enhanced Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme (EEHFS) for small businesses and voluntary, community and sports organisations, which were affected by the flooding due to Storm Chandra and subsequent heavy rainfall from 26 January to early February.
This EEHFS is for small businesses of up to 50 employees (or wholetime equivalents), and community, voluntary and sports organisations, who through no fault of their own cannot secure flood-insurance. The scheme provides a contribution towards the cost of returning a business premises to its pre-flooding condition. There are two payment stages; an initial payment of up to €5,000, and then a second payment subject to assessment of the damages by an independent, professional assessor. The total funding available is capped at a maximum of €100,000 per small business or community, voluntary or sporting body. The funds may be used to replace damaged flooring, fixtures and fittings, and stock, with the aim of enabling businesses to reopen as soon as possible. The scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on the Department’s behalf.
As of the 16 February 2026, the Irish Red Cross have received 53 applications for the Enhanced Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme.
A breakdown of the applications by processing stage is as follows:
• 29 applications are at the initial review stage.
• 8 applications are being verified by the relevant Local Authority.
• 10 applications are ineligible.
• 6 applicants have received an initial payment of €5,000.
Total funding disbursed to date is €30,000, comprising first stage, interim payments of €5,000 each to six small businesses. Further information and application forms are available on the Irish Red Cross website. The closing date for applications is 6 March 2026.
