From Mid-March Local Authorities will be making contact with you advising you of the details of their website in regard to the Increase In Cost Of Business Grant.
You can information on the grant on the below websites, please be aware that applications can be made online on your Local Authority website in Mid to late March.
https://www.galwaycity.ie/news/3618/59/Increased-Cost-of-Business-ICOB-Grant-Scheme/d,NewsDetail
Increased Cost of Business Grant – Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin (monaghan.ie)
Please see below communication from the Department in relation to queries that we have raised.
Hi Vincent
As you know the Increased Cost of Business Grant Scheme (ICOB) is being funded by this Department and rolled-out by the 31 Local Authorities.
On 15th February the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform sanctioned the operationalisation of the Scheme which allowed the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to begin the preparation for roll-out. Service Level Agreements were finalised and signed following sanction.
The Local Authorities are in the process of putting a system in place to roll-out the grant as efficiently and securely as possibly.
Information on the Grant is currently being placed on Local Authorities websites, some examples below:
https://www.galwaycity.ie/news/3618/59/Increased-Cost-of-Business-ICOB-Grant-Scheme/d,NewsDetail
Increased Cost of Business Grant – Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin (monaghan.ie)
This was originally intended to go out as a universal letter but the Local Authorities felt that this approach was better value for money. A communications campaign by the Local Authorities should be taking place simultaneously.
According to this information the system is due to be available in mid-March and each Local Authority has provided a contact number and in some cases a dedicated email address for any queries from businesses.
You should tell your members to check out their Local Authority website for information on the Scheme.
Principal Officer, Retail and Locally Traded Enterprise Unit
——
An Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment