NMD Council outlines first steps in distributing funding package for flood-hit businesses

Downpatrick was one of the worst-affected areas of the flooding that hit Northern Ireland

Author: Chris BrennanPublished 9th Nov 2023

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on Thursday night outlined the first steps in distributing the funding package aimed at flood-affected businesses and helping with clean-up costs.

In a visit to Newry on Thursday, the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said up to £15 million of support will be made available throughout the country.

A spokesperson for NMD Council said: "The first step for the Council will be to administer and deliver the £7,500 being made available to individual businesses impacted in the district. It is estimated that the Council will start to deliver cheques to flooded businesses week commencing Monday 13 November.

Part of the £15m package is to support the wider economic recovery. To inform this, the Council will be contacting each of the impacted businesses in the coming days to establish more detail on the scale and scope of the damage and determine the most appropriate financial package for business."

The Northern Ireland Civil Service has also announced further details of the financial support, which includes rates relief for flooded businesses.

"The first step for the Council will be to administer and deliver the £7,500 being made available to individual businesses impacted in the district. It is estimated that the Council will start to deliver cheques to flooded businesses week commencing Monday 13 November.

"Part of the £15m package is to support the wider economic recovery. To inform this, the Council will be contacting each of the impacted businesses in the coming days to establish more detail on the scale and scope of the damage and determine the most appropriate financial package for business."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “The Council will work quickly and closely with the relevant Government departments to deliver the financial package to local businesses as well as continuing to seek additional support. We will keep you updated on progress on our social media channels and website.”