Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
119. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports in place for businesses and workers in response to a fire (details supplied), including those who lost premises and those indirectly impacted due to asbestos risks; the engagement he has had with the Minister for Social Protection on supports for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38343/26]
View answerIn response to the unique circumstances presented by the Tycor Business Centre fire the Government has signed off on a new €750,000 scheme for businesses affected by the fire.
The scheme will provide for up to €30,000 in funding, of which up to €5,000 will initially be made available to businesses impacted while the scheme details are being finalised.
Full details of the scheme are being finalised by my Department in consultation with Waterford City and County Council and the Local Enterprise Office. The Scheme will be administered by Waterford City and County Council in cooperation with the LEO.
In addition, I have asked MicroFinance Ireland to roll out a dedicated loan support for micro-businesses impacted by the fire and experiencing difficulty securing bank funding. The proposed loan will offer a fixed interest rate of 5.5% APR, with loan amounts ranging from €2,000 to €50,000 and a maximum term of up to five years. To assist microenterprises with immediate cash flow challenges, provision is being made for up to six months’ full repayment moratorium.
LEO Waterford is in the process of assigning mentors to each of the businesses affected and the Local Authority and the LEO are actively assessing potential property solutions which may serve to allow business owners to avail of alternative business premises on a short- or medium-term basis.
The LEO assigned mentors will support businesses in developing a recovery plan, applying for finance through MicroFinance Ireland, and signposting to other state supports such as those available from the Department of Social Protection; which remains available to assist employers and employees impacted, both in accessing relevant Department income or employment supports.
There was a quick and coordinated response across a number of Departments in response to the fire - alongside very close engagement with Waterford City and County Council who managed the response on the ground.
A range of State supports including those through the LEO, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Health Service Executive, fire services and the Local Authority were activated.
Staff of the Department of Social Protection were and continue to be available to assist employers and employees impacted, both in accessing relevant Department income or employment supports, or by signposting to other state supports.
The Department of Social Protection has a range of income supports for employees. Any customer may make an application for Jobseeker supports, including Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, either online at MyWelfare or in person at their local Intreo Centre. Where an urgent or immediate need arises for any employees, support may be available through the Community Welfare Service at the local Intreo centre.
