Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval to strengthen the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme (EHFS), ensuring it can continue to provide timely support to businesses, community organisations, voluntary groups and sports clubs affected by flooding until the end of 2027.

The Government has also agreed to increase the maximum payment available under the standard scheme from €20,000 to €30,000, reflecting rising building and repair costs, while approving work to develop legislation that will place a permanent flooding support scheme on a statutory footing.

Welcoming the decision, Minister Canney said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on local businesses, community organisations and sports clubs. This decision means that when severe weather strikes, support can be made available more quickly to help people recover and reopen as soon as possible.”

He continued: “The increase in the standard payment cap from €20,000 to €30,000 recognises the reality of higher repair and construction costs and will provide greater assistance to those facing significant damage.”

Under the extended arrangements, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will be able to open the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme, where appropriate, following future flooding events without requiring a separate Government decision in each case until 31 December 2027.

The scheme is available to small businesses employing up to 50 people, together with community, voluntary and sporting organisations that could not obtain flood insurance through no fault of their own and subsequently suffer flood damage.

Support is provided to help restore premises to their pre-flood condition and includes assistance towards the replacement of damaged flooring, fixtures, fittings and stock.

The scheme operates in two stages. An initial payment of up to €5,000 can be made quickly, with larger claims subject to an independent professional assessment. Following assessment, the total support available under the standard scheme will now be capped at €30,000.

The Government has also agreed, in principle, to draft legislation that will establish a permanent statutory basis for flood assistance, removing the need for repeated Government approvals to operate the scheme in the future.
Work will begin on developing a wider extreme weather assistance scheme through a cross-departmental approach, in line with the Programme for Government.