THE GOVERNMENT is to establish a €10 million fund to provide financial support to victims of the recent flooding.
People who suffered damage to their homes and contents such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding can apply to the fund which will be means-tested. It will be administered by staff at the Department of Social Protection. Assistance may also be provided for structural problems caused by the flooding.
The deluge caused damage estimated at tens of millions of euro and claimed two lives after a record amount of rain fell along the east coast in a single day on Monday, October 24th.
Payment under the new fund will not be given for losses covered by insurance, and commercial and business losses will not qualify.
Applications will be prioritised with the most urgent claims being dealt with quickly.
Announcing the provision, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said she had seen first hand the damage caused to people’s homes.
“I am conscious that for some families it could be weeks if not months before the damage to their homes is fully apparent.
“I would like to reassure families that this humanitarian assistance scheme will be there for them in the months ahead,” the Minister said.
“Payments are currently being made to families who need urgent financial assistance with basics such as food, clothing and bedding. This funding will continue to be disbursed to individuals and families as required.”
The Government has also established a cross-departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Environment, to oversee the overall response to those affected by the flooding.
It will identify any gaps that may be present within existing services.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said it “would build on the enormous work already done on the ground by community welfare officers, the Irish Red Cross, local authorities and others”.