Council must work to roll out flood support to businesses' - Kimmins

SINN Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to work at pace to roll out flood support to businesses that were affected by the flooding in October and November of last year.

It is estimated that up to 100 businesses that were adversely impacted by the extensive flooding that left some parts of the city completely submerged have yet to receive compensation as part of the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.

After a meeting with the Economy Minister Deidre Hargey in which she received an assurance that flood relief payments for impacted businesses had already been made available to the council, Miss Kimmins iterated the necessity of the council working at pace in the process of applications to ensure help is afforded to those business owners who most need it.

“I met the Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey this week to discuss the flood relief payments for impacted businesses across Newry and South Armagh.

“The Minister has assured me that money has already been made available to the Council and that many payments will be made this week.

“We need the Council to work at pace to process applications to ensure financial help urgently reaches these affected businesses.

“If any business has a query or needs any assistance please contact me or any of the local Sinn Féin representatives.”

Of all the areas within Newry that felt the full tidal force of last years flooding, it was those business owners who had premises in and around Sugar Island that faced the very real prospect of having their livelihoods washed away by the flood water.

One such proprietor is Paul McCartan, owner of McCartan’s Bros clothing shop.

Speaking to the BBC Mr McCartan explained how although he has relatively recently received an offer of compensation, for the most part in the time since the floods he has had to work almost entirely autonomously in keeping his business above water.

“It's been a very difficult six months with a lot of sleepless nights,"

“People have been very supportive around Newry, and they want to see you back in the high street, but at this minute in time that has all been funded by ourselves.".

"I'm lucky that I have had my offer. There are plenty of other businesses that are still dealing with the loss assessor,"