Local TD, Denis Naughten is advising all those impacted upon by the recent flooding to apply for financial assistance under the €5m government fund.

“For those who had their homes flooded, they should make contact with their local community welfare officer to access the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme”.

“The cabinet has also approved proposals for a scheme to support businesses badly hit by floods last weekend. The fund is aimed at businesses badly hit by the recent deluges, which were not able to secure insurance cover due to previous flooding experiences”.

“While no further detail is available as of yet, the business fund will be administered through the Red Cross and businesses may need to show proof that insurance was denied to them. The Tánaiste did tell me in the Dáil that this scheme would be as flexible as possible” said Denis Naughten.

“I would strongly advise all those impacted upon by the flooding to submit an application, even if they think that they are not eligible. It is important to make an application as this could have a bearing on compensation payments or remedial action at a later date”.

Speaking in the Dáil last night Denis Naughten called for immediate funding to cover the costs associated with families being out of their homes. Provisions also need to be made for permanent relocation and for the refurbishment of homes.

He went on to say that “individuals in marooned communities who need to be relocated as we speak, particularly in the Shannon Callows, need to be provided with alternative accommodation, and the associated costs need to be met”.

“Businesses, particularly businesses with no flood insurance, need to be compensated for the loss of income and stock, and for the staff wages that must be paid at the end of this week. Provision needs to be made for the extension of bank loans until compensation kicks in for landlords, and overdraft and term facilities must be made available to businesses in respect of their stock. Funding also needs to be made available for refurbishment costs, and there needs to be a rates relief scheme”.

In conclusion he said “fodder has been destroyed on farms, and funding needs to be put in place to replace it. Where stock have been taken out of sheds, and their ‘bed-and-breakfast costs’ need to be covered”.

You can see my full contribution and the response by the Tánaiste on You Tube at: