PEOPLE WHO HAVE been financially impacted by Storm Babet have been encouraged to “engage early” with Revenue over any potential tax payment issues.

Revenue said “understands” that exceptional weather events like Storm Babet can cause “temporary cash flow difficulties for taxpayers and that this disruption can impact on the timely payment of tax”.

The Revenue Commissioners has asked all those across counties Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth and Waterford who are facing tax payment difficulties due to “disruption” caused by the recent flooding to “engage with Revenue early”.

Joe Howley, Revenue’s Collector-General, said today: “The disruption caused by severe weather events can give rise to temporary cash flow difficulties, and we are aware that this can be a worrying time for those impacted.

People walk past damaged shops on Main street in Midleton, Co Cork after Storm Babet swept in. Picture date 19 Oct Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

“Early engagement with Revenue in such cases is key, as we will work with taxpayers to come to a mutually agreeable solution. This will enable good compliance records to remain on track.”

Howley added that Revenue has a “proven track record in successfully agreeing flexible payment arrangements with taxpayers”, and that taxpayers “can be confident that we will take their financial circumstances and capacity to pay into account”.

A Revenue spokesperson said that taxpayers who are facing cash flow difficulties due to disruption caused by Storm Babet should contact the Collector-General’s office on 01 738 3663 to “agree a mutually suitable payment”.

Storm Babet caused extensive damage in many areas, particularly in Midleton, Co Cork, where around 100 homes were flooded.

Yesterday, further funding of €3 million was announced for people affected by Storm Babet under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

The Scheme was activated on 19 October to support households in Cork City and County and West Waterford, including Cork City, Midleton, Youghal, Castletownbere, Mallow, Tallow and Dungarvan and other affected areas.

Meanwhile, a scaled-up flood relief scheme for victims of Storm Babet could mean affected businesses may qualify for payments of up to €100,000.