Payments start to flood hit businesses

Businesses who were hit by last week's flooding have started to receive payments to fix some of the damage.

62% of businesses who have applied for flood relief funding are looking for €5,000 euro, with the rest looking for up to €20,000.

Payments have also been made to householders to replace basic needs such as clothing and bedding.

The Government's emergency task force has warned however that flooding in areas like Athlone and towns on the lower Shannon may not recede for weeks.

Director of the Irish Red Cross Liam O'Dwyer has said payments to businesses started today.

“The first five payments were actually processed today,” said O’Dwyer.

“We have received 61 forms at this stage seeking some assistance and 50 of those have been sent to local authorities. They’ll be processed there and sent back to us.”