TDs for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward have said that more must be done to encourage small businesses in the constituency to apply for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) before it closes in July. Data reveals that 153 grants have been applied for in South Dublin County Council area to date, with just €612,000 in funding approved.
Teachta Ó Broin said: “The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID provides grants of €4,000 to businesses working from non-rateable premises and €1,000 to businesses with a turnover between €20,000 and €49,999. While it was a small scheme, it was much needed and appreciated by small businesses. “However, data provided to Sinn Féin by the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment has revealed that only 153 grants applications have been made to date to South Dublin County Council, worth €612,000.
Deputy Ward said: “While this may seem like a decent amount of the funding, the Department has stated that not all applications will be approved, so in all likelihood the number of applications which turn into approved grants in the area will be less than 153, unless the Government and Local Authorities step in now. “With such a low level of applications it is clear that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, the Government, and Local Authorities, need to seek out and encourage applications from small businesses for the SBASC scheme. “Given the closing date for the scheme is 21 July, the Government must work to ensure as many small businesses as possible know about the scheme and submit grant applications. “If there are any small businesses in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown or the Four Districts who are looking for additional details about the SBASC scheme, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
