Taoiseach pledges financial support to homes and businesses affected by flooding

By Rebecca Black, PA

Financial support is to be made available for homes and businesses impacted by flooding, the Taoiseach has said.

Some 20 properties in Bantry, Co Cork were flooded amid status orange rainfall on Saturday.

Cork County Council said up to 65mm of rain was recorded in some locations.

Simon Harris described a “difficult day and night in the South West, particularly in Bantry”.

He said the minister with responsibility for flood relief Kieran O’Donnell would visit the area on Sunday.

Speaking to media in Dublin on Sunday, Mr Harris said: “I have been in contact with both the Minister for Enterprise and the Minister for Social Protection, and on Tuesday they will bring memos to Cabinet to put in place the financial supports to assist any businesses or any households that were impacted with the heavy rain and with the floods last night.”

Asked what level of support those impacted by flooding in Bantry could expect, Mr Harris said there was a “significant template” that was rolled out when an area was flooded.

“I know that is no substitute, by the way, for the trauma that you can experience if your business or your home is flooded,” he said.

“But generally, there is supports made available to businesses through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to households through the Department of Social Protection.

“There are limits and ranges there and they’re very similar to those that have been in place for previous floods.

“I think that what the people of Bantry will most want to know is one, when can the flood relief scheme be delivered, and two, and I’ve heard from them in relation to this, what interim measures can be put in place.

“Any interim measures that can be put in place, as we moved into this winter, should absolutely do so.

“We’ve seen great results from flood protection schemes across the country, but where towns or villages are still waiting for flood relief schemes, we do need to say what more can be done in the interim.”