Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. The increased cost of business scheme was announced in budget 2024. It has been allocated €257 million and is specifically designed to target smaller businesses. It was initially opened for registrations between 14 March and 1 May. However, on 15 May, I announced two changes to the scheme as part of the wider SME package. First, registration was opened for an additional two weeks to allow businesses another chance to sign up for the grant and, second, those businesses operating in the hospitality and retail sectors that qualify for an increased cost of business grant will receive a double or second payment under the scheme. Overall, 72,576 registrations have been made, representing 81,366 businesses, or two thirds of the potentially eligible businesses.

Turning to the specific local authorities highlighted by the Deputy, in County Longford, 939 businesses have registered for the grant and €1.287 million has been paid out to those businesses. In County Westmeath, 1,627 businesses have registered and €4,485,309 has been paid out. In County Offaly, 1,192 business properties have registered and €1,959,301 has been paid out to those businesses. In County Laois, 1,075 business properties have registered and €1,581,247 has been paid out.

All local authorities are doing everything to ensure payments to qualifying businesses are made as quickly as possible. The second round has now commenced. I will point out that Longford County Council has been exceptional in paying out the grant. Its chief executive, Paddy Mahon, and his team, including John McKeon, have been great. They got the money out to businesses very quickly. It is so vital that they get it when the Government has put that money on the table for them.

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