Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
84. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of County Limerick enterprises that that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30052/21]
View answerThe total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Limerick is 306. Of that figure to date 113 have been approved for payment, and 37 are still being assessed. 156 applications have been refused.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as the business’s turnover not being down 75% during the eligibility period, the business not operating from rateable premises, or the business not reaching the €50k turnover threshold.
As you may be aware I recently announced an expanded SBASC phase 2 scheme which will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July. Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non-rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.
Businesses who are working from non-rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. These businesses have been ineligible for schemes in the past and it is my intention to ensure that these businesses receive some state support during these difficult time. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.
Further details of this expanded SBASC scheme will be available shortly on my Department's website and on Local Authority websites who will once again administer the scheme.
