Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he hopes a scheme to support businesses affected by flooding will be extended to Co Louth this week.
Heavy rainfall brought by Storm Ciarán had prompted fears among residents and business owners already impacted by flooding in recent weeks, including Midleton in Co Cork and parts of Co Waterford.
Flooding hit Carlingford and other parts of north Louth on Tuesday, prompting calls for funds to be made available for repairs and to prevent any further damage.
A short drive away, Newry’s residents and shop owners were left reeling after the canal burst its banks on Monday night, submerging sections of the city under water.
A status yellow rain warning is in place for six counties – Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork and Waterford – from 7pm on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday
National forecaster Met Éireann said that rainfall brought by Storm Ciarán, combined with grounds that are already saturated and high river levels, may lead to flooding in these counties.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said support for homeowners had already been extended to those living in the Cooley Peninsula and other parts of Co Louth.
The Tánaiste said extending support for householders to Louth does not require Cabinet approval, but added that the business support would require ministers’ sign-off.
“That will be decided (at an) incorporeal meeting… hopefully this week,” he told RTÉ’s News at One programme.
Thank you @mmcgrathtd for coming to Carlingford to meet with homeowners& business owners. & discuss the devastation that has occurred over the past few days. Same supports will be available in Louth as in Cork! pic.twitter.com/HHq3XA2sJM
— Senator Erin McGreehan (@ErinMcGreehan) November 1, 2023
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The first scheme for businesses offers an initial 5,000 euro payment and further support of up to €20,000 based on the scale of damage to businesses.
A second scheme, set up in response to unprecedented flooding in Midleton, offers an initial payment of €10,000 to businesses and up to €100,000 after auditing and assessment.
Householders can access relief through the Humanitarian Assistance Programme, administered by the Department of Social Protection, which was allocated an additional €3 million in funding by the Cabinet last week.
Income limit levels in order to qualify for the scheme were also increased, from €30,000 to €50,000 for a single person; €50,000 to €90,000 for a couple; and €10,000 to €15,000 per child.
Mr Martin said: “In the first instance, insurance companies must also step up to the mark and do their part, but in areas where there’s been repeated flooding and where insurance is not available, the state will have to step in to help.
“I think, more importantly though, is that we move on flood relief schemes and adaptation measures because what we are witnessing are climate events. These are not normal flooding events, these are climate events, in my view, and adaptation is going to be required.
“By that I mean, we’ve got to prepare our coastal regions to prevent erosion, and flood relief schemes to prevent the flooding of towns and cities, houses and the business life of the country as well.”
He added: “And I think we need to focus as much on adaptation just as much as we’re focusing on climate, because climate (change) is here and its impacts are now – they’re not going to be in 2050, they’re happening right now.”
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath visited areas in Co Louth affected by flooding on Wednesday.
