6th August 2026
- Enhanced scheme increases maximum support for affected SMEs to €30,000
- New measures enable Minister to establish scheme rapidly
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD has secured Government approval to strengthen the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme (EHFS) which will improve the Department’s ability to help businesses impacted by extreme flooding events.
The EHFS is designed to assist local businesses and community organisations that have been impacted by flood damage due to a severe weather event and have been unable to obtain flood insurance.
The Scheme is available for SMEs with up to 50 employees, along with community, voluntary and sports organisations. It provides a contribution towards the cost of returning a business premises to its pre-flood condition. There is an initial upfront payment of up to €5,000 and a second payment for more significant damages, following assessment by a professional assessor.
Previously, under the Standard EHFS, businesses could receive up to a total €20,000 from the Scheme. The Minister has now secured Government approval for an increase to this amount to €30,000, which reflects increasing building costs.
This may be used for repairing structural damage, fixtures and fittings, and replacing stock. The Scheme is run on behalf of the Department by the Irish Red Cross.
On top of the increase in the maximum amount of funding available under the Scheme, the Minister now has the authority to open the Scheme in response to specific emergency flooding events, without the need for further Government approval. This means that the Scheme can be opened shortly after businesses have been affected and ensures that they can receive support in a timely manner.
Minister Peter Burke has said:
“I am delighted to announce these changes to the operation of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme. I have seen the damage that flooding has done to local enterprises, and how hard it is for small businesses to get back on their feet after a major flooding event.
Recognising that it is not possible for all businesses to secure flooding insurance, this Scheme is designed to address that gap and step in to support businesses with timely grants when they need it most.”
The Minister has also secured approval to start the process of developing a legislative basis for the Scheme.
Further detail
Most recently, an enhanced version of the Scheme was opened nationwide in response to Storm Chandra on 26 January and the subsequent days of heavy rainfall.
Small and medium sized businesses in many parts of the country, including County Wexford and South County Dublin, were particularly affected.
This scheme has since supported 83 businesses and community organisations, with over €3.3 million distributed to applicants to date.
ENDS
For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200
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