The Government has a “very strong track record” when it comes to supporting businesses that have been “impacted by significant events”, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has said.
Minister Burke said the Government was “demonstrating a willingness to help” businesses affected by the major fire at a business centre located in the old Jute factory in Waterford over the weekend, reports Breaking News.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, he pointed to previous support schemes introduced for businesses following severe flooding incidents and said up to 200 workers could potentially qualify for welfare assistance.
Burke said the blaze caused “huge devastation” to a number of businesses and charities and added that he owed a “huge debt of gratitude” to emergency responders, reports Breaking News.
“I really want to commend the fire services, the first responders who worked right through Saturday night on into Sunday – it was about five o’clock on Sunday until the fire services got reasonable control on the area.”
Burke, who was scheduled to visit the site on Tuesday afternoon, said the response would involve a whole-of-government approach, reports Breaking News.
“This is a very significant event, and the state obviously will do what it can to support those affected.”
He said the Government was still trying to determine exactly who had been impacted and added that he did not yet have all the details, reports Breaking News.
Burke also said his Department needs to establish which businesses were affected, along with the rental and insurance agreements linked to each organisation.
He said some of the organisations involved are believed to be charities, disability support groups and social enterprises, reports Breaking News.
“Then the Government will have to take a view on how we can help best.”
Burke said the response would also involve the local authority, the HSE and relevant Government departments, reports Breaking News.
“Our social protection code is there. You can log on to Welfare.ie and get supports as an employee from the 40 businesses who are affected – maybe potentially 200 employees.
“I haven’t that figure verified yet but that is the reports I’m receiving”, reports Breaking News.
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