Government Announce Support To Businesses On Lockdown In Kildare, Laois And Offally

Over €6 million in supports is being made available to counties Kildare, Offaly and Laois.

The government announced the measures this afternoon in response to imposing restrictions there over a week ago.

Between 3 and 4 million euro in additional funding will be made available to businesses in Kildare, Laois and Offaly under the Restart plus scheme which was announced as part of the July Stimulus package.

Businesses can now apply for up to €30,000 in funding, instead of 25,000 everywhere else.

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath says enterprise schemes and tourism will also be boosted:

These measures come one week after the government imposed restrictions in the midlands due to increasing clusters.

Minister McGrath adds these measures can be introduced if other counties need to go into lockdown:

Funding will also be ringfenced from the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, while applications to Microfinance Ireland from businesses in these three counties will be priorities.