Nearly 1,000 Laois could miss out out grant to pay the bills

Hundreds of local companies should tap into once-off Government grants to help to pay the bills, according to Laois TD Charlie Flanagan.

The Fine Gael representative urged 945 businesses in Laois to apply for the supports that are being administered by Laois County Council on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

He also called on County Hall to proactively engage with businesses and allow them to apply for the Increased Cost of Business grant scheme before the May 1 deadline.

Dep Flanagan said: “This €257 million scheme was announced in Budget 2024 by my colleague, former Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, and will provide a real boost to micro businesses and small and medium enterprises here in Laois.

“In Laois, 945 eligible businesses have yet to make a submission for the scheme and I would urge them to do so through the online portal at www.mycoco.ie . If they need assistance, businesses can also contact Laois County Council, which have written to all rate payers with a Customer ID and pin.

He outlined how much is on offer.

“For businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of less than €10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023. For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

“There should also be pro-active direct email engagement by Local authorities and Local Enterprise Offices to ensure that entrepreneurs and business owners in Laois get a portion of their rates back.

“I am also pleased that Taoiseach Simon Harris and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke are working with Government colleagues to examine what additional supports can be provided to small and medium businesses, ahead of Budget 2025,”

Concluding Deputy Flanagan said Fine Gael is the party of small business and knows small businesses are are under pressure and need help.

More info:

• The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023. 
• For businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of less than €10,000, the grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
• For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the grant will be €5,000.
• Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.
• A business will get a payment of 50% of their 2023 rates bill or €5,000, whichever is the lesser.

Examples

• A hairdresser with a rates bill of €8,000 per year will receive a payment of €4,000. 
• A restaurant owner with a rates bill of €12,000 per year will receive €5,000