Background information

In August enhanced restrictions were introduced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases and a large number of clusters in these counties. Many of these clusters were connected to meat processing plants in the region. Localised lockdown measures were announced for the three counties on 7 August. Laois and Offaly emerged from the restrictions on 21 August and restrictions were lifted in Kildare on 31 August.

Content of measure

The measures introduced for the region included:

• A topped up Restart Grant of 20%, bringing the new minimum for affected counties to €4,800 and the new maximum to €30,000. Read more at COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch Database .
• Prioritised applications for loans and grants. €1 million was ring-fenced for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in the three counties to increase engagement with local businesses to ensure they are aware of the loans, grants and vouchers they are entitled to. Applications from affected counties will be prioritised for all existing schemes, including the Sustaining Enterprise Fund.
• Promotional Tourism Campaign. Fáilte Ireland was allocated €1 million to undertake a promotional campaign focused on increasing the appeal of these counties to visitors and drive bookings.

Use of measure

No information.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	No involvement
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement.

Views and reactions

No information

Sources

• 14 August 2020: Government announces package for businesses in Kildare, Laois and Offaly (enterprise.gov.ie)