Farmers included in new flood protection grant scheme

A flood protection initiative is to be extended to include small businesses and farmers as well as home owners, the Agriculture Minister has said.

The new measure is in addition to £1.3 million the Executive has already pledged to flood prevention.

Michelle O’Neill said the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme would further boost “preventative measures and preparing for future flood incidents”.

Ms O’Neill said: “This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that homes and other properties are protected from the worst effects of flooding and that our infrastructure, where possible, should remain useable to minimise the impacts on communities.”

Last week the minister announced £1 million for home protection.

On Thursday she said Rivers Agency has been asked to develop a similar scheme, but aimed at non-domestic properties.

Ms O’Neill added: “Subject to a suitable business case being agreed, the grant scheme will open later this year and will allow owners of small businesses at risk of flooding to install physical barriers and equipment to help reduce the impact on their properties.”