Irish Red Cross Flood Support Clinic

The Irish Red Cross will host a business clinic in Enniscorthy tomorrow, Thursday 5th February to support small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies that were uninsured and affected by recent severe weather. Up to 66 businesses in Enniscorthy, New Ross and Bunclody may have been impacted by the flood.

In conjunction with Wexford Local Authority and County Wexford Chamber of Commerce the clinic will help business owners fill out the forms, and for the Wexford Local Authority to verify the status of the premises.

Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme Extended

This follows the announcement by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of an extension to the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for Small Businesses, Community, Voluntary and Sporting bodies which is administered by the Irish Red Cross. Applicable businesses can now avail of up to €100,000 to return business premises to pre-flood conditions.

Minister Peter Burke TD

"The extension and expansion of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme reflects the urgent support I know impacted businesses need. Many are facing unprecedented disruption, and this support has been fast‑tracked to ensure they can access relief quickly when they need it most. I am encouraging all affected businesses to review the supports available and to apply without delay."

Streamlining the Application Process

Irish Red Cross have been administering the flood scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for many years. Typically, approximately 50% of submitted forms are missing details or are completed incorrectly. This adds time to the process, and causes stress to owners. The aim of the clinic is to minimise this and ensure speedy initial payments to affected businesses and organisations, and support a quicker return to full operation.

Businesses and organisations requiring financial support above the initial payment of €5,000 will require an in-person visit by an assessor. A panel of assessors are on standby to support this immediately, once the correctly completed application is received.

Financial Support Available

Initial payment of €5,000 for eligible businesses
Up to €100,000 total support to return premises to pre-flood conditions
In-person assessor visits for support above €5,000
Fast-tracked application process

Support Beyond Financial Aid

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross

"This is a distressing time for all affected business owners and community organisations. It is only now, a week after the initial floods, that the adrenaline drops and the reality hits home. We are here on the ground to make sure the scheme runs as efficiently as possible and to let people know we are here to support them."

"Irish Red Cross health and wellbeing trained volunteers will also be available to chat to all those who come so that a calm, listening ear, as well as tea and coffee, are on offer. Volunteers from the local Red Cross branch in Enniscorthy will be on hand to support throughout."

A child-friendly space will also be provided onsite, supervised by the youth officer. Children of affected business owners can colour and read in the space so that parents can focus on filling out the form with Irish Red Cross staff and volunteers.

Local Support and Collaboration

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District

"It is welcome news to see the Irish Red Cross clinic coming to Enniscorthy so promptly, to help the businesses and organisations that have been affected by the recent flooding. Locals have been deeply impacted by the floods and this much needed boost will help people recover and get back to trading more quickly. We are looking forward to seeing doors opening again, and footfall back into our town."

Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber

"Businesses and families along the River Slaney in Enniscorthy have been living with the risk and reality of flooding for more than two decades, while waiting for a long-promised flood relief scheme to be delivered. Many of those affected by Storm Chandra were unable to obtain insurance through no fault of their own, leaving them exposed once again to devastating losses. This is not sustainable, and it is not fair. We are pleased to see the Irish Red Cross stepping in with practical, compassionate, on-the-ground support."

Expanding Support Nationwide

Irish Red Cross plan to roll out similar clinics in other affected areas and online workshops will be offered concurrently for those who cannot attend in person.

Read Full Press Release

Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross to Host Flood Support Clinic for Small Businesses

What to Expect at the Clinic

Support filling out application forms
Verification of premises status by Wexford Local Authority
Health and wellbeing support from trained volunteers
Child-friendly supervised space for children
Tea, coffee, and a listening ear
Local Red Cross volunteers on hand throughout

In Person Clinic offered by Irish Red Cross to support applications for Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme