Sicily approves €8.7 million aid for businesses damaged by Cyclone Harry

The Sicilian regional government, through the Irfis‑managed Fondo Sicilia, approved 43 new funding requests, confirming 40 of them for a total of €8,719,378. The package includes €5,231,629 in low‑interest loans and €3,487,749 in non‑repayable grants aimed at businesses hit by Cyclone Harry and the Niscemi landslide in January. Regional President Renato Schifani said the rapid processing—about six weeks from application to decision—demonstrates the administration’s commitment to restoring the affected economic fabric.

The aid follows earlier approvals of 38 requests amounting to roughly €7 million that were processed since the platform opened on 12 May. Recipients are expected to invest in repairs and restart operations, helping the local economy recover from the severe weather events.