Grants And Rates Relief Announced For Businesses Affected By Flooding

NI businesses affected by heavy flooding are to receive a one-off £7,500 payment and rates relief for damage caused to their premises.

Commercial premises in Newry, Downpatrick, Portadown and other areas were severely affected by flooding and repair bills are expected to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris announced £15 million would be reallocated from the NI budget to support businesses affected by the floods.

A statement from the NI Executive Office said: "The measures will be funded through the reallocation of existing NICS Departmental funds that was announced by the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton Harris.

"The measures include rates relief for flooded business premises and one-off grant payments of £7,500 for affected business. It is estimated that up to 200 businesses will be eligible for the support, to assist with the immediate response, clean up costs and making properties more resilient to future floods.

"The grants will be administered by the local council. The first payments will be issued next week."

Alliance Upper Bann MLA and Finance Spokesperson Eóin Tennyson welcomed the announcement and said: "This announcement from the Secretary of State is a welcome start and will provide some initial relief and support to households and businesses who have been devastated by floods. It is imperative that this money rescues those affected as quickly as possible and we await further clarity and detail in this regard.

"I am deeply conscious that if we had an Executive in place, we would be in a stronger position to influence these schemes and build upon this support.

"Short term interventions, whilst absolutely essential to ensure businesses and families can rebuild, are no substitute for a concerted programme of investment led by an Executive with a focus on climate adaptation, flood alleviation and investment in wastewater infrastructure."