Almost 350 Offaly businesses apply for restart grant

There has been an uptake by 347 local businesses in Offaly for the Local Enterprise Restart Grant to help them return to business after Covid-19 restrictions.

Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney said the grant is being processed through the Local Enterprise Office and supports are being provided to businesses.

There will be a couple of weeks turnaround on the scheme, with the first payments to be made next week.

Four libraries in the county have resumed their click and collect service and libraries will reopen on June 29, she outlined.

The role played by the community forum was praised during the pandemic lockdown was also praised. “It has been an excellent way to get information out,” Ms Delaney said.

When work under the Disability Person’s Grant will be carried out, was questioned by Cllr Declan Harvey. “A lot of people with disabilities and with illness are in a bad way and do need work done,” he said.

Ms Delaney said payments are being made under this scheme and inspections will be restarting.

Work will be done in line with public health guidelines, she said.

During lockdown, a huge amount of activity had been carried out by council staff, Cllr Sean O’Brien said.

He urged the council to communicate with its ratepayers to ensure they are aware of the Restart Scheme.