Government promises flood victims €15m in humanitarian help

Homes and businesses affected by the Storm Desmond floods have been promised €15m in humanitarian help from the Government as the most badly hit areas prepare for their worst flooding in two decades over the next 48 hours.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed two separate multimillion-euro funds will be opened up to those ravaged by the weather since the weekend, amid Office of Public Works warnings the River Shannon catchment area is likely to experience its worst floods in 20 years over the coming days.

In an unprecedented move and despite some internal resistance, the Cabinet yesterday approved a fund of €5m for businesses affected by flooding which were unable to get flood insurance cover.