Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
385. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide restart grant assistance to marts in view of additional costs that have arisen for such enterprises and the need to have a vibrant mart sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/20]
View answerThe Restart grant is designed to help small and micro commercial enterprises to re-launch their business and reconnect with their employees and customers. The grant is being paid using the Local Authorities Commercial Rates System as the most efficient means of delivery. The grant is the amount of the 2019 rates assessment subject to a minimum grant of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
To qualify for a grant, an eligible business:
- Must have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.
- Must have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020.
- Must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed.
- Must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
In addition, the grant is aimed at independent and commercially trading enterprises that:
- Are reliant solely on local trading income;
- Are financially independent from any group structure;
- Have suffered significant financial losses;
- Have had to bear ongoing fixed costs or faced costs associated with re-opening the business;
- Provide local paid employment.
The aim is to get these businesses up and running, trading as normally as possible so that they can retain employees.
If a livestock Mart meets the criteria as set out, then it is eligible for the Restart Grant.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities.
