€8m Support Scheme Launched For B&Bs That Do Not Pay Local Authority Rates

By Dave Simpson
€8m Support Scheme Launched For B&Bs That Do Not Pay Local Authority Rates

Minister for media, tourism, arts, culture, sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin has launched an €8 million support scheme for B&Bs that do not pay rates to their local authority.

Through the scheme, which is called the Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs and which is being administered by Fáilte Ireland on behalf of the department of business, enterprise and innovation, grants of €4,000 will be available to B&Bs that do not pay local authority rates to assist with the costs of reopening and business operations.

B&Bs in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly will receive an increased grant amount of €4,800 due to the public health measures introduced in August by the government to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in those counties.

"A Key Element Of The Government's July Jobs Stimulus Package"

Martin stated, "The Restart Grant Plus is a key element of the government's July Jobs Stimulus package, and up to €8 million has been ring fenced to support B&Bs. This is another critical action the government is taking to help support and sustain the tourism sector at this devastating time. I would urge eligible B&Bs to apply online without delay."

Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly commented, "Economically, tourism was hit hardest and will take the longest to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Our focus is on sustaining the sector and supporting businesses to open and operate safely as we move through the pandemic.

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"We welcomed the government's decision to extend the Restart Grant to B&Bs as part of the July Jobs Stimulus package and we look forward to working with the B&B sector as we administer it. This grant will help B&B owners with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures."

Two Phases

Applications for the Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs will be processed in two phases.

Applications for B&Bs under the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF), through direct approval by Fáilte Ireland, are open between now and October 28, 2020.

Further details on the application process for B&Bs that are not approved under the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) will be announced shortly.

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