First five €10,000 payments made to businesses impacted by Storm Babet floods

Irish Red Cross tasked by Government to administer two emergency flood relief schemes to Midleton, and to other areas including West Waterford and Kilkenny

Up to 250 premises with no flood insurance cover were damaged in Midleton. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The first five payments of €10,000 have been made to businesses following the devastating floods caused by Storm Babet, the Irish Red Cross has confirmed.

The Irish Red Cross was tasked by the Government to administer two emergency flood relief schemes to Midleton, which saw up to 250 homes and businesses with no flood insurance cover damaged by Storm Babet last month, as well as other areas including West Waterford and Kilkenny.

The organisation confirmed that as of Wednesday lunchtime, 35 applications have gone in under the so-called "Scheme A" and "Scheme B" funds. 

Scheme B applies to a single initial €10,000 towards the cost of the damage, which can then be followed by payments of up to €100,000 after an assessment by a professional appointed by the Irish Red Cross.

Scheme A deals with smaller payments of €5,000 initially, with further payments up to €15,000 following assessment.

Of 35 applications, the first five have received €10,000, with assessments planned this week to see how much extra they will receive. Picture: Guileen Coast Guard

Of the 35 applications, the first five have received €10,000, with assessments planned this week to see how much extra they will receive. For context, the damages claimed range from €36,000 to more than €100,000 for the five applicants in question, who received their initial payments.

After the assessment is done and recommendations are given to the Irish Red Cross, the businesses will find out how much more they will receive.

More applications for emergency funds had been submitted to Cork County Council as of Tuesday, while Cork City Council has also received some, the Irish Red Cross said.

If those applications are verified by the local authority, they will be submitted to the Irish Red Cross and payment made. 

More than a dozen applications made are considered to be outstanding, because information provided was incomplete, such as photographs or other details that are needed. All have been told that they need to supply more information.

Irish Red Cross insiders have lauded Midleton Chamber for its role in assisting applications, even though it has no official role in the process and is merely offering voluntary assistance to businesses as they navigate the necessary red tape and technical questions in order to receive payments.

Breda Sisk and Fionnula Coakley clear flood water from the HomeSavers store on Main St, Midleton, in the aftermath of Storm Babet. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Irish Red Cross said it refuted any complaints of delay in processing the funds, with a spokesperson saying it has to be diligent when it comes to public money.

The first payments were turned around in two days, the spokesperson said.

A meeting of businesses in Midleton with the chamber heard that a business advice clinic will be set up with the local enterprise office (LEO).

It will run out of the Midleton Chamber office from next week and will offer private sittings for assistance in filling up forms, in light of the incomplete applications that have been received by the Irish Red Cross.

Midleton Chamber and businesses are planning a campaign for next month in the run-up to Christmas to encourage visitors and locals to spend money in the town.

WEATHER CENTRE

Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.