The Restart grant scheme was launched on 22nd May and was live on all local authority websites from 29 May. It was advertised extensively both nationally and locally as well as across social media. By mid-June, almost 30,000 applications were received nationally. By the end of July, some 45,000 applications had been received.
The Scheme was initially intended to provide grants in tandem with the phased re-opening of the economy as per the Government’s Roadmap. As the Roadmap was accelerated, so too was the scheme made available to all eligible businesses and sectors.
The numbers of applications nationally had begun to taper off in recent weeks at the same time as the Government was considering introducing an expanded Restart Plus Scheme with higher grant levels and expanded criteria.
As the Government wished to introduce the higher grant levels, as quickly as possible, to the benefit of a much larger group of businesses, it was decided to end the original scheme to avoid overlap and administrative confusion.
However, business owners may now make their case in writing to their Local Authority if they feel that they are entitled to the original Restart Grant Scheme. The Local Authority will review each case, in conjunction with my Department.