Mayo senator seeks business support grant deadline extension

MAYO Senator Lisa Chambers has written to the Minister for Enterprise to ask that he extend the deadline for the Increased Cost of Doing Business Grant.

Senator Chambers has been told repeatedly while canvassing in the region for the European Parliament elections about critical economic pressures faced by businesses due to increased costs in energy, insurance, and the recent rise in minimum wage.

She expressed concern about the low uptake of the grant programme, with only 30,000 out of 130,000 eligible businesses having applied.

Said Senator Chambers: “This grant is a vital lifeline for small and medium enterprises navigating the challenging economic landscape.

"Extending the deadline beyond May 1 is essential to enhance awareness and accessibility of the grant, ensuring that more businesses can secure the support they need to sustain their operations and protect jobs.”