Tánaiste redoubles efforts to help Kildare business

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD today announced that the government will provide further assistance to businesses in Kildare, following on from today’s decision to extend restrictions.

The Tánaiste said:

"I realise how disappointing today’s news will be for the people of Kildare. It has been a devastating few months for business owners, their staff and families. By extending these restrictions now, we will avoid further, more damaging measures later on. We must do everything we can to protect people. The people of Kildare are making a sacrifice on behalf of the entire country. I recognise that and we are redoubling our efforts to help businesses."

Existing measures will be stepped up:

Restart Grant top up

Kildare businesses will receive a further 20% top-up to the Restart Grant Plus, equivalent to a 40% uplift overall, bringing the new minimum grant to €5,600 and the maximum grant to €35,000.

Increased Enterprise Agency Assistance

The local enterprise office in Kildare will step up assistance to impacted businesses. One to one specialist expertise and mentoring will be provided to impacted businesses, helping them reassess their financial plans. A virtual ‘Sustaining Business’ open day will be held early next week.

Marketing Grants

Marketing grants under the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) programme will be reinforced to help businesses to get their message out that they are open for business. Up to €2,500 is available. A publicity campaign will be run locally to ensure businesses are aware of all the funding options available to them.

Applications prioritised

Applications from Kildare for all existing schemes will continue to be prioritised.

The Tánaiste said:

"I’m particularly concerned about small businesses and those in the hospitality sector. I have asked the Local Enterprise Office to make a list of recommendations for further measures that Government can take to help businesses in Kildare to maximise trade over the next two weeks. I look forward to their recommendations. Government will do everything we can to help."

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

The government has previously announced measures on 14 August to assist businesses in Kildare, Laois and Offaly.

There is an existing package in place to help businesses nationally reopen and stay open, through the July Stimulus.

Restart Plus grant support for B&Bs is being administered by Fáilte Ireland
extension of the Wage Subsidy Scheme to the end of March 2021, supporting viable businesses and jobs, including new hires
provision of more and cheaper loan finance through Microfinance Ireland and the Credit Guarantee Scheme
provision of funding to help businesses and get ready for Brexit
exploiting opportunities in areas like Life Sciences and investing in decarbonisation and digitalisation
six-month reduction in the VAT, going down from 23% to 21%
provision of more funding for the IDA to promote Ireland as a place for foreign direct investment

There will also be a six-month commercial rates holiday for the vast majority of businesses.