There’s been a qualified welcome for the announcement of additional supports for the three counties on partial lock down in the midlands.
Kildare Laois and Offaly re-introduced restrictions a week ago after a spike in cases linked to meat plants.
It includes a 20% top-up of the Restart Grant for businesses, meaning they will be entitled to an additional payment of between € 800 and € 5,000.
It’s expected that those who didn’t get the initial grant will also be able to apply.
In addition people who had signed off the PUP can now re-register online.
A million euro is being earmarked for the Local Enterprise Offices, while an additional million will be given to Failte Ireland.