Enhanced supports for Mayo hospitality sector

Enhanced business support schemes for the Mayo hospitality sector and other businesses hit by the new Covid restrictions have been announced by the government.

This includes reopening the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) to new applicants and a relaxation of the turnover reduction figure for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme to 40%.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told RTÉ News the 'considerable measures' provide a level of financial support similar or better to the financial support provided to those sectors when Ireland was in a full lockdown.

He explained the EWSS will be paid at the full rate until January and will now be re-opened to businesses that came off the EWSS in recent months.

He said restaurants and bars can receive this payment if opening to 8 p.m. does not suit their business model or is not practical and would not cover their costs.

He said if a venue stays open until 8 p.m. but operates to 40% of their turnover or less, then they will also qualify for this payment.

An Tanáiste added commercial rates will be waived for the first quarter of next year for those sectors hardest hit.