The Cabinet on Tuesday approved funding for two schemes, one for business and one for householders, intended to benefit those hit by flooding in Cork last week.
Officials said that an existing humanitarian scheme to provide relief for businesses ravaged by the floods would be “stood up with quick payments of €5,000 and assessed and audited payments of up to €20,000″.
Another exceptional scheme has also been approved for businesses hit by the floods and which have greater levels of damage. Officials said there would be “quick payments of €10,000 and audited and assessed payments of up to €100,000″ under this second scheme.
“Both schemes will be administered by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment through the Irish Red Cross,” the department said in a briefing note release this evening. “They are not a replacement for insurance or to compensate for loss of earnings, they are humanitarian relief. A business can only apply for one of the schemes.”
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The Red Cross will begin taking applications this week, with officials suggesting that payments could be made in a matter of days. A scheme for low-cost loans is also likely to be brought forward.
In addition, the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced further funding for another humanitarian scheme for householders.
An existing €10 million fund will see a further €3 million made available. While the scheme is means tested, the Cabinet agreed on Tuesday to increase the income limits. The new limits are: €30,000 to €50,000 for a single person; €50,000 to €90,000 for a couple; and €10,000 to €15,000 per dependent child.
“Where a family has a household income over the income limit, a reduced or tapered level of support may be provided,” officials said.
Families and householders hit by the flooding can apply for assistance in three stages – emergency support payments for food, clothing and personal items in the immediate aftermath of the event, then payments for white goods, furniture and other essential household items, and then finally financial support for renovating a property after the flooding has receded.
“The income test for humanitarian assistance is more generous than that applied under means-tested social welfare payments in general. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance, including non-social welfare recipients,” the department said.
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A total of 223 payments amounting to €147,260 has already been made to those affected by the recent flooding, officials said.
Cork East TD James O’Connor said that the department should open an emergency centre in the locality.
“Storm Babet has caused exceptional damage to homes and businesses in east Cork. These schemes are very welcome as they will help people with the hefty costs of repairs that they face. But there will also be a need for immediate ground supports to assist businesses to reopen quickly.
“I’ve requested the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to open an emergency centre to advise businesses locally.
“An emergency centre is also needed for households so that they know how best they can access supports.”
