Money given to Laois business towards soaring energy bills revealed

The Department of Finance has revealed that the money given to businesses in Laois through the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme to help them cope with huge rises in their energy bills.

The scheme provides support to qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023.  

Qualifying businesses can claim for 40% of the increases in their energy bills. Payments are generally subject to a monthly cap of €10,000 per trade or profession. 

Replying to Laois Offaly TD Carol Nolan, the Minister for Finance said 348 applications were received from Laois with 342 approved. A total of €448,206 was paid out.

It contrasts with Offaly where 387 applications were received and 384 approved. A total of €534,201 was paid out in the same Laois Offaly constituency county.

Nationally 24,039 applications for support were made with 23,532 granted. A total of €38,322,672 was paid out nationally.

Speaking ahead of a Dáil debate on the revised operation of the Scheme, Deputy said:

“I welcome the fact that over 700 businesses within the constituency received funding under the Scheme; after all, it is their own taxes that are financing it.”

“That being said, there were significant issues around the very low levels of take-up, which the Minister himself has acknowledged. As usual this is down to the highly convoluted and complex nature of the application process. That is a major problem with the Scheme that needs to be addressed if businesses in Laois and Offaly are to fully benefit from it.

“I also welcome the fact that revisions made to TBESS now mean that the level of relief has been increased to 50% of the cost of eligible energy bills, with an additional new grant for businesses using LPG or kerosene. The fact that the Scheme to date excluded such businesses was a major blunder and an oversight that needed to be rectified,” Deputy Nolan concluded.

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Businesses that are eligible can register for the scheme with the Revenue Commissioners.