‘Immediate' relief fund of up to €5,000 for flooded businesses

BANDON businesses which have been affected by last weekend’s flooding can now apply for up to €5,000 which will be issued within days.

The news was confirmed by Deputy Jim Daly this afternoon, who said the funds will be given on a self-declaration basis once the businesses involved sign forms to say they are not covered by insurance and have lost stock or had their premises damaged.

A further application for funding can be made – up to €15,000 – which will be subject to assessment, receipts etc and will have to be processed. Both funds will be administered by the Red Cross.

‘This means that any business with substantial damage will be eligible to apply for up to €20,000.’ Deputy Daly (FG) told The Southern Star.

‘This is the first time in the history of the State that the Government will compensate businesses affected by flooding,’ he added.

The Cork South West TD – whose own constituency office was flooded on Saturday night – said the news was a positive gesture towards the business community.

 ‘I gave a commitment on Sunday morning to the business community in Bandon that I would step up to my responsibility to secure this compensation as it was the least the Government could do for Bandon town. I began a series of meetings on Monday night with the Taoiseach, Ministers Coveney and Harris, to ensure a successful and speedy outcome to this issue. I remain satisfied that the Government has done the only thing that can be done right now to assist the victims of flooding and that is to provide emergency funding in an immediate fashion.’