Council Invites Applicants for Enhanced Flood Support Scheme
Following Economy Minister Conor Murphy’s announcement last week of a support package for businesses affected by recent flooding, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting applications to an Enhanced Flood Support Scheme. At a special meeting of the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on Monday 26 February, Councillors agreed to proceed with administering the latest funding.
The scheme for eligible businesses opens on 27 February 2024 at 12 noon and closes on 22 March 2024 at 12 noon. Applications are to be made via an online portal at: SmartSimple | Newry, Mourne & Down District Council. (smartsimpleuk.com).
Following flooding in the district in October/November 2023, the Council delivered the first phase of business support funding to local businesses on behalf of the Department for Economy. This scheme closed in December and issued payments of £7,500 to approximately 114 businesses.
The Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will provide further support to businesses that were directly flooded following the severe weather in late October and early November. The support is in addition to the £7,500 grants and rates relief that has been provided to date to affected businesses.
The purpose of the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme grant is to provide up to £100,000 additional support to eligible businesses to help them re-open and resume trading, or remain open and continue trading. Applicants will have two options to choose from during the process dependant on the level of eligible costs incurred, or to be incurred.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte said, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council welcomes the Department for Economy funding that will enable us to provide this further post-flooding business support. This will help us to secure the medium to long-term economic future of our city and towns. I encourage traders to visit the online portal to check eligibility and make an application for funding ahead of the 22 March deadline.”
Applicants will be required to submit appropriate evidence to support their application. All awards are subject to funding availability and late applications will not be accepted. Should they require further support or information, applicants are asked to contact: flooding@nmandd.org
The Minister also announced two hardship schemes to provide support for businesses and some other non-domestic premises that were impacted by the flooding at the end of October/early November 2023 but were not eligible for the previous £7,500 payment or the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.
Details of how to apply for the two hardship schemes will be made available in the coming weeks.