Government ‘willing to help’ with Waterford fire, Enterprise Minister says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Government has a “very strong track record” of supporting businesses that have been “impacted by significant events”, the Enterprise Minister has said.

Minister Peter Burke said the Government was “demonstrating a willingness to help” business affected by a major fire in a business centre at the old Jute factory in Waterford City over the weekend.

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet on Tuesday, he pointed out previous assistance schemes for businesses which were delivered after major flooding events and said up to 200 employees may be able to avail of welfare supports.

Burke said the fire had caused “huge devastation” on many businesses and charities, adding he had a “huge debt of gratitude” to first responders.

“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 is due to visit the site on Tuesday afternoon, said the response would be a whole-of-Government approach.

“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 in the process of establishing who was impacted, adding that he did not yet have the full facts.

Burke also said his Department needs to understand what businesses are involved as well as the individual rental and insurance agreements in place.

He said some organisations are reported to be charities, some are disability workers, while others are social enterprises.

“Then the Government will have to take a view on how we can help best.”

Burke said this would include a response from the local authority, the HSE, and relevant Government Departments.

“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.”