First Minister-Designate, Michelle O'Neill, has urged NI's Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to provide financial support for homes and businesses in flood-hit areas.

Michelle O'Neill MLA wrote a letter to Chris Heaton-Harris after Storm Ciarán caused widespread damage and devastation to communities across Northern Ireland.

Chris Heaton-Harris has been asked to provide the Department of Finance with additional resources for an emergency relief scheme. The scheme will support home and business owners whilst protecting jobs and community facilities.

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In a statement, Ms O'Neill said: "This crisis comes at a time of the year when many small businesses see an upturn in activity that they depend on to carry them through the rest of the year. The knock-on effect for business owners and their staff is obvious and could lead to closures and job losses.

"For householders, repairing the extensive damage caused by flooding is an added financial pressure at a time when families are already suffering the financial impact of the cost of living crisis.

"The Executive should be in place to help our communities to deal with this and other pressures they are facing. Those affected by the recent flooding should not suffer as a result of the boycott of the Executive by one party.

"No efforts should be spared in protecting vulnerable businesses, families and communities facing this enormous and unforeseen financial pressure."