An enhanced Restart Grant, Restart Grant Plus, has launched this week with higher grant amounts available to a wider range of businesses.

An additional €300 million has been invested to bring funding for the Scheme to €550 million. The minimum grant available is now €4,000, up from €2,000 and the maximum grant payable has increased to €25,000, up from €10,000.

Many more businesses in Galway, Mayo and the West are now eligible for this grant and businesses that have aready received funding can re-apply for the additional amount of support. In some cases, such as in County Mayo, the local authority will contact businesses that have already received funding under the old Restart Grant Scheme with details on how to obtain the additional support under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.

Non-rateable B&Bs, sports clubs with commercial activities and charity shops are among the businesses that are eligibile for the support.

Businesses can apply through their local authority –

Galway City: https://www.galwaycity.ie/news/1699/59/Restart-Grant-Plus-Scheme/d,News%20Detail

Galway County: https://gccapps.galwaycoco.ie/RestartGrantPlus/

Mayo: https://www.mayo.ie/restart-grant-plus

The Scheme for B&Bs will be administered by Fáilte Ireland and will be operational in the coming days.

Further details on the Restart Grant Plus Scheme:

  • The grant will be based on the amount of the rates assessment for the premises for 2019 (excluding arrears) with a new minimum grant of €4,000 and a maximum combined grant from Restart 1 and 2 of €25,000 (Increased from €2,000 min and €10,000 max).
  • Eligible firms now include medium sized firms and independent hotels with up to 250 employees, as well as small firms (increased from 50 employees).
  • Businesses impacted by a 25% reduction in turnover will be eligible provided they commit to reopening and to hiring and sustaining employment.
  • A turnover of up to €25m is now allowable, increased from €5m.
  • Commercial sports businesses can now apply for the minimum €4,000 grant.
  • Trading charity shops can now apply for the minimum €4,000 grant.
  • B&Bs in non-rated premises will be eligible to apply for the minimum €4,000 grant from Fáilte Ireland.
  • The hospitality sector, restaurants, pubs, activity centres and tourist attractions, e.g., galleries, museums are eligible if they are operating from rated premises.