T5. Mrs Mason asked the Minister for the Economy for an update on the Downpatrick flood support scheme. (AQT 625/22-27)

The total amount allocated to the Department for the Economy for flood support is £9·7 million. That includes £1·1 million for the £7,500 flood support scheme and up to £8·6 million to cover costs associated with the enhanced flood support scheme, business hardship schemes and the reimbursement of council clean-up costs. As the councils are still administering those schemes, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the projected underspend.

I thank the Minister for his response. Businesses in Downpatrick have really welcomed the scheme as a lifeline as they try to get back on their feet, but, as you will know, many of them are still struggling. There are also a number of sports clubs in the areas that have been impacted on, and they have received no support at all. Can you provide any detail of plans for any surplus finances and whether that money could go towards further supporting businesses and sporting organisations in Downpatrick?

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council intends to write to me shortly to set out how it believes that any underspend could be utilised. On the basis of discussion with council officials, it is anticipated that it will suggest that the money be reallocated elsewhere, such as some being reallocated to the Department for Infrastructure to administer a flood mitigation scheme. We are very happy to receive those propositions, look at areas that perhaps have not received support and try to ensure that the entirety of that money is spent on flood mitigation and support in that area.