Supports still available for Waterford people affected by flooding
Supports are still available for people whose buildings have been affected by flooding. Stock image
The Government has approved the expansion of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme (EHFS) to support small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting organisations affected by severe flooding.
The amount of financial support available to support those premises with the heaviest structural and stock damage was increased to €100,000 from €20,000 an eligibility for the scheme has also been expanded to organisations with up to 50 employees.
In a statement to Waterford News & Star (waterford-news.ie) a Government spokesperson said the Irish Red Cross will continue to administer the scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, ensuring rapid and accessible support.
A separate Emergency Response Payment is available to provide support to people living in properties directly affected by flooding in Waterford.
That scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged those who have been affected by flooding to apply for the schemes available: “The recent period has been devastating for many people who have seen their homes, businesses and workplaces severely damaged by flooding. We are taking a flexible and proactive approach to supporting those in need. Local authorities, community welfare officers, the Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross and others have been actively engaging with the communities where damage has occurred to offer support on the ground and to help people to apply for Government financial support and to receive it very quickly.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: "Businesses have taken an enormous hit, and we are determined to stand with them every step of the way. We know the devastation recent weather has caused for employers, workers and whole communities. This scheme is designed to deliver real financial relief fast, so owners can focus on reopening their doors, protecting jobs and restoring local life."
"Behind every damaged premises is a person, a livelihood and a community depending on them, and our priority is to ensure support arrives quickly and helps businesses get back on their feet," he said.
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said: “As I have always maintained, my thoughts are with all of those who have been impacted by recent severe flooding. It is imperative we support these communities and provide much-needed relief to households and businesses who have suffered devastating losses."
The Emergency Response Payment (formerly the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme) prevents hardship by providing financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair. In administering the payment and dealing with emergency events, the Department of Social Protection takes a three-stage approach: Stage 1 of the scheme provides emergency support payments to cover immediate and essential costs such as the purchase of food, clothing, bedding and essential personal items for immediate use. This stage is not income tested; Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items; Stage 3 covers costs of essential structural repairs to a person’s primary residence.
Income testing applies to Stages 2 and 3, however the income test for the Emergency Response Payment is more generous than that applied under means-tested social welfare payments in general.
A reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where a household’s income is above the limits.
The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance, which includes non-social welfare recipients.
Any homeowner who needs to access supports can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 607080 and full information on the Emergency Response Payment is available at www.gov.ie/erp.
Support for Waterford businesses, community, voluntary and sports organisations.
The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme provides support to small businesses and community, voluntary and sports organisations affected by flooding who, through no fault of their own, have been unable to obtain flood insurance.
It provides a contribution towards the costs of returning a premises to its pre-flood condition and can include replacing flooring, fixtures and fittings, and damaged stock if relevant.
The scheme has two payment stages: the first stage will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of the damages incurred, with a focus on getting funding to the organisation as quickly as possible. In the event that a premises has incurred significant damages above €5,000, organisations can apply for additional financial support of up to €100,000. In this case, a building assessment will be organised.
