Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the level 3 restart grant of 30% top-up to be operational in County Louth to help local businesses following the recent upgrading from level 2 to 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant Plus provides direct grant aid to businesses with up to 250 employees to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 6th October 2020 all parts of the country moved to Level Three of the Government’s Framework for Restrictive Measures. In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses, a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant is being provided to help support those affected through this period. We know the move to Level 5 will have a significant impact on businesses and we will continue to provide as much support to businesses as possible during this difficult time.
I have made enquiries with the Local Authority in question and I understand that the software to run the payments system has been updated in order to process applications for top-up payments that have been introduced in recognition of further restrictive measures currently in place. I am advised that the Local Authority expects the payment of the 30% top-up to occur early in the coming week.
Further information on top-up payments and application forms for the Restart Grant Plus Scheme are available on the websites of all Local Authorities. The closing date for receipt of applications to the scheme has been extended to 31st October 2020 to ensure the scheme is accessible to as many businesses as possible.
