Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
150. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Carlow that have received support under the restart grant and the restart grant plus; the number that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43795/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question and as at 11 December 2020, Carlow County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 605 businesses. 694 businesses have benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest guarantee scheme in the history of the State. Its function is to add certainty to businesses that liquidity is available for working capital and investment purposes. Loans of up to €1 million are available for up to five and a half years. Loans under €250,000 do not require collateral or personal guarantees.
As at 3 December, 15 businesses in County Carlow have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €506,000.
The sectors utilising the scheme most prominently are wholesale/retail (20%), accommodation/food services (14%), agriculture (11%) and construction (9%), demonstrating the strong need and utilisation of the CCGS by businesses most affected by COVID 19.
