Applications open for flood-hit businesses

Applications open for flood-hit businesses

28 February 2024

FOUR months after town centre businesses in Downpatrick were engulfed by catastrophic floods, applications for up to £100,000 in financial support have opened.

The money is being made available by the Department for the Economy which has unveiled a £10m package with the money distributed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council which has been handed responsibility for processing applications for urgent financial help.

Stormont economy minister Conor Murphy has announced details of the multi-million pound flood support package which is also designed to help traders in Newry and Portadown whose businesses were also flooded following the wettest October on record.

A small portion of the funding has already been distributed in £7,500 grants and rates relief with the minister announcing two new hardship schemes with £5,000 available for non-domestic properties not eligible for previous grant support and a £2,500 scheme for non-flooded properties that were unable to be accessed and unable to trade.

Mr Murphy said it had been a “difficult and very worrying time” for businesses affected by flooding, with their respective owners frustrated that the support hasn’t been made available sooner.

He said local councils will begin to take applications for the enhanced flood support scheme this week.

“This will provide up to £100,000 to flooded small and medium sized businesses in Downpatrick, Newry, and other affected towns to cover costs associated with the refitting of the flooded premises and the replacement of damaged equipment and stock,” Mr Murphy explained.

“I have also approved two new hardship schemes that will provide support to others that were affected by the flooding but not eligible for the other supports.”

Mr Murphy said small and medium-sized businesses were the lifeblood of local town centres.

“I am pleased to be able to announce this support package, which takes account of the feedback I have been getting from businesses and elected representatives about what is needed on the ground,” the minister continued.

Mr Murphy is urging any traders that believe they are eligible to check the funding criteria and submit an application.”

Details of the funding package have been welcomed by local politicians including South Down MP Chris Hazzard, MLAs Cathy Mason and Patrick Brown and councillors Oonagh Hanlon, Alan Lewis and Henry Reilly.

Mr Hazzard said the announcement of the scheme will be a “huge relief” for businesses whose premises were devastated by flooding just weeks before Christmas. 

“Our small and family-run businesses have been under severe pressure because of the flooding damage and this scheme will enable them to restore their premises and to continue to open their doors to the community,” he said.

“It is clear the Economy Minister has listened to the voices of local businesses and acted quickly to ensure they have access to proper funding and support after what has been a very challenging time.”

Mrs Mason said local businesses were a key part of the economy and she was determined to continue working to support them, protect local jobs and help them bounce back from the damage they suffered.

Mr Brown, who spoke on the flooding issue at the Assembly yesterday, said flood recovery was a top priority.

He said the initial delays in making funding available had been damaging for Downpatrick businesses, especially those who lost out on the £7,500 grant which was made available in the immediate aftermath of the devastation.

“I very much welcome the economy minister’s announcement regarding the flood recovery fund but I will be examining the scheme closely to ensure it is adequate to support all traders and that the money is paid out as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Cllr Hanlon said the cash will provide much-needed support to local businesses and has called on council officials to organise workshops to support businesses and deal with any queries from business owners.

Cllr Lewis said applications for financial support will be processed as soon as they are submitted.

“Many traders are still feeling the impact of the devastating flood and while some have relocated others have shut down completely and it is vital to get the money out to them as soon as possible,” he said.

Cllr Lewis said businesses must be given every opportunity to avail of this funding and helped through the process and that there is a need to look toward businesses who may not have been flooded but lost trade, along with sports clubs and other community hubs which were impacted, but not yet included in the scheme.