Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy wishes to remind business owners that the recent expansion of the Restart Grant scheme now includes sports clubs, which had previously been excluded. The majority of clubs will also be able to avail of the commercial rates waiver. Cllr McCarthy noted: “Applications are available through local authorities or for the City within Cork city Council.  Under the revised Restart Grant, support will also be provided for enterprises that could not access the original grant scheme. These grants will provide a much-needed cash boost to sports clubs that are at the heart of our communities. Non-rated B&Bs and rateable sports businesses will be eligible for a grant payment of €4,000. B&Bs will be eligible to apply to Fáilte Ireland”.

The maximum grant available will rise to €25,000 (up from €10,000) and the minimum payment will be €4,000 (up from €2,000). Firms that accessed the Restart Grant will be eligible to apply for a second top-up payment to a total combined value of the revised minimum and maximum grant levels. The criteria for accessing the scheme will include Enterprises that have 250 employees or less, have turnover of less than €100,000 per employee and have a reduced turnover by 25% as a result of COVID-19. The contact details for Cork City Re-Start Grants within Cork City Council are at 021 4924000 or email restartgrant@corkcity.ie.