The Small Firms Association (SFA) has called on An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to extend the closing date for the Restart Grant Plus.

There are just under two days left until the application cut-off point.

The SFA wants the closing date extended by one month, to 31 October.

It has also urged local authorities to speed up the issuance of the grants.

SFA director Sven Spollen-Behrens said: “As of the 18 September, only 47,510 firms have submitted applications for the Restart Grant Plus.

“With more than €100 million still in the fund, SFA is calling for the extension of the closing date to give firms struggling to reopen or facing local restrictions the opportunity to apply.

Timely manner 

“Small firms rely on local authorities to promote and distribute this money in a fast and timely manner. To ensure that no firm misses out on this grant, we urge the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to work closely with every local authority to get these funds handed out to businesses.

“Today, we are also encouraging all small firms to apply for the Restart Grant Plus and other COVID-19 business supports, as soon as possible, so that they don’t miss out on funding to help them operate alongside ongoing health and business restrictions,” concluded Spollen-Behrens.