Minister to seek urgent approval to reopen emergency flooding scheme for businesses in west Cork [Video]

THE MINISTER OF Enterprise, Trade and Employment has said he is seeking “urgent Government approval” to reopen the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme for businesses impacted by flooding in Bantry, West Cork.

Minister Peter Burke said he is “closely monitoring the reports of significant flooding in Bantry and acknowledge the distress and the impact it is having on traders and small businesses”.

Cork was under a Status Orange alert for rain yesterday.

Cork County Council had prepared crews to inspect high-risk areas but said yesterday that there had been a “specific focus on the Bantry area throughout the day”.

The Council also said yesterday that up to 50mm of rain had been recorded in some locations over a 12-hour period.

Burke said his Department is “liaising with Cork County Council, and I would like to reassure business owners that Government will stand ready to provide support”.

He added: “We have previously …