Scheme / Grant - Waterford City & County Council

14th September 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council informs recipients of pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme

16 businesses across Waterford City centre have been successful in their application for funding under a pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme. The aim of the scheme, launched by Waterford City and County Council in August, is to support business owners to enhance the appearance of commercial premises in the city centre.

There were 27 applicants to the scheme, with projects totaling over €69,000 and successful applicants were selected following an assessment of the condition of the building, the potential of the works to have an impact on their area and on the location of the business.

In addition to improving the appearance of the city centre, the scheme has a knock on effect of supporting a number of local trades people who submitted quotes to the businesses for works to be undertaken as part of the scheme including painting, signage etc., All works funded under the scheme are to be completed before the year end.

12th September 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

REMINDER: Community Heritage Grant Scheme now OPEN for applications

The Heritage Council invites applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2020.

Communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are encouraged to apply for funding to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites; that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections or objects (including buildings). The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment.

This Community Heritage Grant Scheme is part of the rescue package recently announced by the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan, TD.

Apply by 15th September 2020.

11th September 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces second tranche of rural Towns and Villages supports

Minister Humphreys announces second tranche of rural Towns and Villages to receive COVID-19 adaptation supports

120 additional towns and villages to benefit from €3.3 million
Funding to help communities shop, socialise and work safely during COVID-19
226 projects have now benefited from Town and Village Renewal Scheme since July

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday, 11 September 2020) announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the second round of the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme that supports towns and villages to respond and adapt to COVID-19.

The focus of the funding is on measures and interventions that help towns and villages to adapt to social distancing requirements and to provide safe environments that encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise.

In the latest allocation of funding by Minister Humphreys, €3.3 million has been approved for 120 projects countrywide.

This is in addition to the €2.8 million that was announced under Round 1 of the scheme in August.

Examples of the successful projects being funded under the latest allocations include:

Cavan: Creation of outdoor meeting and event space at Ballyconnell Market Square;
Cork: Purchase of stage and amplification equipment for hosting medium scale events and concerts in West Cork;
Donegal: Establishment of outdoor food market in Donegal town;
Laois: Converting car parking spaces into outdoor spaces (parklets) for public seating and dining, as well as the enhancement of other central areas in Stradbally with landscaping and street furniture;
Tipperary: Repurposing eight community buildings throughout the county to facilitate Broadband Connection Points and remote working.
Mayo: The creation of three covered outdoor spaces for community based exercise classes and other community events in Belmullet and Westport.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“I’m delighted to announce a second round of funding for projects under the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The challenges of recent months have highlighted the central role that our towns and villages play in the lives of people in rural areas. They are where we live, work, shop and socialise.

“The impact of COVID-19 has brought changes to all of our daily lives, but the projects I am approving today will assist rural towns and villages to adapt to those changes. It is important that we make our towns and villages as welcoming as possible and that we provide the infrastructure to allow people to engage with local shops and services, and with each other, in a safe manner at this time.

“The €3.3 million in funding which I am allocating today to 120 towns and villages is for projects that can be delivered quickly and which will encourage people into our towns and villages, and giving them the confidence to spend more time there. Today’s funding is in addition to an allocation of €2.8 million made to 120 projects in August and is supported through the Government’s July Stimulus Package.”

The Minister continued:

“Once again the Local Authorities, together with their local communities, have brought forward projects that will help meet the specific needs of their own areas. A wide variety of innovative measures are being supported under this round of funding, including the purchasing of marquees and equipment to facilitate outdoor events and festivals, and the provision of sheltered outdoor meeting spaces.

I’m also pleased to be able to provide support for the fit out of a number of Broadband Connection Points throughout the country, which will be vital for people in remote locations to stay connected or to work remotely.”

Full details of the 120 projects supported under Round 2 are available on the gov.ie website here.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006993 / 086-7912704

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

2nd September 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Heritage Grant Scheme now OPEN for applications

The Heritage Council invites applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2020.

Communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are encouraged to apply for funding to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites; that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections or objects (including buildings). The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment.

This Community Heritage Grant Scheme is part of the rescue package recently announced by the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan, TD.

Apply by 15th September 2020.

26th August 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council encourages businesses to apply for enhanced Restart Grant Plus

Businesses throughout Waterford City and County are encouraged to apply for the COVID-19 Restart Grant Plus, through Waterford City and County Council. With an additional €300m funding made available by Local Authorities Ireland, the enhanced Restart Grant Plus is available to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 with the costs associated with reopening, reemploying workers and reconnecting with customers.

The €300m funding is in addition to the €250m previously committed and businesses that have not already applied, which have a turnover of less than €25m and less than 250 employees, were impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover between April 1^st and June 30^th, 2020 and intend to retain employees on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) can apply.

The Restart Grant Plus is the equivalent to the commercial rates bill of the business in 2019, and for first-time applicants under Restart Plus, the minimum grant is €4,000 and the maximum is €25,000. Businesses that are in a commercially rateable premises but not rate-assessed in 2019 or currently in arrears are still eligible to apply.

The Restart Grant Plus, with increased eligibility criteria, also means that rate paying sports clubs and trading charity shops can also apply. Non-rateable B&Bs can apply through Failte Ireland.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, said “The increased eligibility criteria means that across all sectors many more small and medium sized businesses will now be eligible for the Restart Grant Plus.”

“This direct aid will prove timely and beneficial to those businesses in helping with the costs of dealing with COVID-19. The costs associated with reopening, implementing health and safety measures, retaining staff, replenishing stock or ongoing fixed costs, such as insurance and utilities can be met in some way with the Restart Grant Plus.”

“Whether the business is up to date with its 2019 commercial rate payments or not, the Restart Grant Plus will help take the financial burden out of the costs associated with getting back up and running and the return to viability.”

The application process is quite straight forward, and businesses will need to submit their Council rates account number, bank account details, a bank statement header, and indication of reduction in turnover. Applicants will also be required to self-declare information.

Businesses that qualified for a grant under the original Restart Grant scheme are simply required to re-declare via email that the information supplied continues to be true.

Applications for the Restart Grant Plus can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is September 30th, 2020.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

About the Restart Grant Plus

Small and medium sized businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of Covid-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The enhanced Restart Grant Plus is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.

To avail of the Restart Grant Plus, a business must:

· Be a commercial, trading, entity

· Operate from a premises that is commercially rateable by a local authority

· Have 0 – 250 employees

· Have a turnover of less than €100k per employee to a maximum of €25m[1]

· Have suffered a 25%+ loss in turnover between 1 April and 30 June 2020

· Commit to remain open or to reopen if closed

· Intend to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).

The DETE will arrange to carry out spot-checks to ensure compliance with the qualifying criteria.

[1] The criteria regarding turnover of < €100K per employee will be assessed in groups of 25, e.g. <50 staff must have under a maximum €5m turnover, 51 to 75 staff must have a maximum of €7.5m turnover, 76 to 100 staff must have a maximum of €10m turnover, 101 to 125 staff a maximum of €12.5m turnover, 126 to 150 staff must have a maximum of €15m turnover, 151 to 175 staff a maximum of €17.5m turnover, 176 to 200 staff a maximum of €20m turnover, 201 to 225 employees a maximum of €22.5m turnover and 226 to 250 employees a maximum of €25m turnover. Employee numbers are expressed in Full-Time Equivalents.

For further information:

Karen Cheevers

B2B Communications

086 2300700

4th August 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Shop-Front Improvement Scheme launched

Shop Front Improvement Scheme

Waterford Council have launched a pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme which aims to support city centre businesses to enhance the external appearance of their premises. The scheme, which opens for applications on Tuesday 4^th August, provides for up to 50% of the cost of a shop front refurbishment up to a maximum of €1,000 or €2,000 depending on the nature of the works.

In order to encourage best practice approaches to shopfront maintenance and presentation, applications should be in line with the criteria outlined in the following documents:

For more details of the scheme, please contact:

Maureen Fitzsimons
Waterford Council
mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie
0761 102661

Key Dates
Scheme adopted by Plenary Council	29^th July 2020
Scheme launched and applications open	3^rd August 2020
Closing date for applications	31^st August 2020
Successful applicants notified	14^th September 2020
All works completed and receipts submitted	31^st December 2020

2nd August 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Shop-Front Improvement Scheme launched

Shop Front Improvement Scheme

Waterford Council have launched a pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme which aims to support city centre businesses to enhance the external appearance of their premises. The scheme, which opens for applications on Tuesday 4^th August, provides for up to 50% of the cost of a shop front refurbishment up to a maximum of €1,000 or €2,000 depending on the nature of the works.

In order to encourage best practice approaches to shopfront maintenance and presentation, applications should be in line with the criteria outlined in the following documents:

For more details of the scheme, please contact:

Maureen Fitzsimons
Waterford Council
mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie
0761 102661

Key Dates
Scheme adopted by Plenary Council	29^th July 2020
Scheme launched and applications open	3^rd August 2020
Closing date for applications	31^st August 2020
Successful applicants notified	14^th September 2020
All works completed and receipts submitted	31^st December 2020

13th July 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Enhancement Programme 2020

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) 2020 now open for applications.

The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide funding to community groups across Ireland to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas.

Waterford LCDC has been allocated €64,039 for 2020. The Community Enhancement Programme will fund projects that seek to enhance facilities and communities in disadvantaged areas.

See all documents relating to this scheme on Waterford Council’s website.

This programme will offer not-for-profit groups access to capital funding in order to kick-start, advance or complete their projects. The programme seeks to address some of the difficulties these groups face in terms of accessing small scale levels of funding to match their own fundraising efforts.

Closing date: 4pm Friday 14th August 2020

26th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Cappoquin receives €1.2 million in Rural Development funding

Cappoquin was one of the 24 communities around the country which were successful in the current round of Rural Regeneration and Development funding announced by Minister Michael Ring today.

Receiving the second largest grant of €1.2 million for a total project expenditure of €1.6 million, the grant will facilitate the commencement of the town’s regeneration programme. Today’s announcement relates to Category 2 of the fund which provides seed capital funding for the planning, design and preparation of large scale projects in anticipation of further future funding for the actual construction and physical delivery of the projects.

Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Ring said:

“The Category 2 funding I am announcing today is for projects that require further development to make them ready for construction. There can be significant work and expense involved in getting projects to the point where they are ready to be delivered. This support is critical to ensure that a pipeline of ambitious regeneration projects are ready to hit the ground running in the future. ”

The primary objectives of the Cappoquin project are:

Improving the residential attractiveness and capacity of the Town Centre.
Developing new and improved enterprise spaces, facilities and partnerships in and around the Town Centre.
Investing in improvements in the public domain so as to make Cappoquin Town Centre an attractive place in which to live or to visit.
Developing the amenity and tourism potential of the River Blackwater.

Newly elected Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Damien Geoghegan, said that he is thrilled to be informed of Cappoquin’s successful application. “It is well recognised that a number of factors, including the closure of traditional businesses along with reduced residential demand in the town centre, have hit Cappoquin badly over the last few decades. This funding can now create an impetus for the local authority working in partnership with the local community in Cappoquin and with other local development agencies to turn the tide and to develop and deliver significant regeneration projects in Cappoquin town and surroundings”, he said.

ENDS

For Press Queries please contact Claire Hartley
087 2905194

19th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Decade of Centenaries Community Grant / Deontas Pobail do Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán

The War of Independence in Waterford – What happened in your local area?

The Commemorations Committee of Waterford City and County Council invite Community Groups to apply for a community grant towards projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford City and County.

Grants of up to €1000 are available for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford.

Waterford Commemorations Committee invite you to take a look at the Decade of Centenaries from a local perspective and bring to life the stories and history of your local area.

Why not try:

Tell your local story with a publication or presentation
Create a workbook for your local school to share your local history
Create a map of manoeuvres or an attack that occurred

Resources such as the Brigade Reports and the Military Service pensions made available by the Military Archives www.militaryarchives.ie ; local newspapers made available online combined with the memories and stories of local families can tell an important story of life in Waterford at an important time in Irish history and how the people and places of Waterford contributed

We would love to hear the creative Community Projects that Community Groups come up with and how Groups approach their local history with curiosity, empathy and respect.

Please Note: Covid 19 public health directions must be adhered to in all projects.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday 10^th July 2020

For Application Forms see https://bit.ly/waterford100 or contact the City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie 0761102144 for further information.

This grant is part of the Decade of Centenaries projects funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Check out www.decadeofcentenaries.com for more information and for details of events and projects throughout the country.

============

DEONTAS POBAIL DO DHEICH mBLIANA NA gCUIMNEACHÁN

Cogadh na Saoirse i bPort Láirge – Cad a tharla i do cheantar áitiúil?

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge cuireadh do Ghúpaí Pobail cur isteach ar dheontas pobail i dtreo thionscadail a dhéanann comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán i gCathair agus i gContae Phort Láirge.

Tá deontais suas le €1000 ar fáil i gcomhair thionscadail chun Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán a chomóradh i bPort Láirge.

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán, Port Láirge cuireadh duit féachaint ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán trí dhearcadh áitiúil agus beocht a chur sna scéalta agus sa stair a bhaineann le do dhúiche féin.

Bain triail as:

Do scéal a insint le foilseachán nó cur i láthair
Leabhar saothair a chruthú i gcomhair do scoil áitiúil chun do stair áitiúil a roinnt
Léarscáil na n-inlíochtaí a chruthú d’ionsaí a tharla

Is féidir scéal tábhachtach maidir leis an saol i bPort Láirge ag am tábhachtach i stair na hÉireann a insint trí acmhainní ar nós Tuairiscí na mBriogáidí agus an Bailiúchán Pinsean Seirbhíse Míleata atá ar fáil ón gCartlann Mhíleata ag www.militaryarchives.ie agus nuachtáin áitiúla atá curtha ar fáil ar-líne a úsáid, i dteannta cuimhní cinn agus scéalta ó theaghlaigh áitiúla.

Ba bhreá linn cloisint ó na Grúpaí Pobail agus na Tionscadail Phobail a bheidh acu agus iad ag díriú ar a stair áitiúil le fiosracht, le comhbhá agus le meas.

Tabhair faoi deara: Is gá cloí le treoracha sláinte phoiblí Covid 19 le gach tionscadal.

Spriocdháta i gcomhair iarratais: 4i.n. ar an Aoine, 10 Iúil 2020

Foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ó: https://bit.ly/waterford100 nó déan teagmháil le Cartlannaí na Cathrach agus an Chontae, Joanne Rothwell ag archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie nó ar 0761102144 i gcomhair a thuilleadh eolais.

Tá an deontas seo á dtabhairt amach mar chuid de thionscadail Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta. Tá a thuilleadh eolais, maraon le sonraí d’imeachtaí agus de thionscadail ar fud na tíre ar fáil ar www.decadeofcentenaries.com

18th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford businesses encouraged to apply for Local Authority Restart Grant in Phase 2 of Roadmap to Recovery

As the country moves into Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery, small businesses that have managed to operate through the pandemic, recently reopened or are due to reopen are being encouraged to apply for the Local Authority Restart Grant through Waterford City and County Council.

The Restart Grant gives direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures and is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to June 30th, 2020.

Businesses due to reopen under Phase 2 (June 8th) include small retail outlets and marts.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said the grant, is based on the equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 and if a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply.

“Now that we are moving into Phase 2, more and more small businesses will be in a position to reopen. Some will have continued to operate but will have experienced a loss in revenue and staff numbers while bearing ongoing costs. For others, the cost of reopening will be a challenge. The Restart Grant, which is a minimum of €2,000 and maximum of €10,000, can be used to help defray ongoing fixed costs or meet the cost of reopening, such as replenishing stock or implementing the necessary health and safety protocols to ensure customer and employee safety.”

“Small retail businesses due to open in Phase 2 should apply for the grant via Waterford City and County Council and they will be prioritised. As we gradually move into the next phases and more sectors open up, these businesses should apply. Over the coming weeks and months in Phases 3, 4 and 5 more retail outlets, offices, restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs, childcare facilities and indoor recreational centres are scheduled to reopen. These businesses too should begin the process of applying for the Restart grant in order to avoid delay.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2020.

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

About the Restart Grant

Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of Covid-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:

have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people
have closed and/or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020
commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed
declare the intention to retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)

Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy, are as set out below:

For further information:

Karen Cheevers, B2B Communications
086 2300700

17th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council details Sec. 254 Outdoor Furniture Grant Scheme

Waterford launched the COVID 19 Economic Recovery Plan Monday 8^th June as a response to getting Waterford reopened and moving into recovery phase. A number of initiatives have been implemented as part of the recovery Plan and plans are now in place for the roll out of the Outdoor Furniture Grant scheme.

The objective of the street furniture grant scheme is to contribute to vibrant City, Town, and Village centre and assist and support the hospitality sector with a grant towards the cost of equipment in providing additional outdoor seating and accessories in reopening post COVID-19.

A consistent and high quality standard in the street furniture will be required in order to enhance the appeal of the city, town and village centre and to create confidence in visiting and dining in city, town and village centre.

The details of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme are as follows:

Food and Beverage retailers who wish to avail of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme need to apply in the first instance for a S.254 licence in order to be approved to place furniture in public spaces outside premises. The application form and details of the application process are detailed on the Council’s website. The fee for S.254 licence has been waived as a recovery measure by Waterford City and County Council.
All grants will be subject to compliance with conditions of a licence granted under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) or the conditions of a relevant grant of planning permission

The following items are eligible for the grant :

Tables, Chairs, Umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, temporary bike stands and wooden platform
Items must be purchased between 1^st June and 31^st August 2020 and payment will be made to applicants on submission of receipt for equipment purchased. The scheme will provide up to 75% of the cost of equipment purchased / installed, with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant.

For further details on the scheme, please visit the Council’s website or call 0761 102020.

ENDS

12th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council details the proposed Outdoor Furniture Grant Scheme

Waterford launched the COVID 19 Economic Recovery Plan Monday 8^th June as a response to getting Waterford reopened and moving into recovery phase. A number of initiatives have been implemented as part of the recovery Plan and plans are now in place for the roll out of the Outdoor Furniture Grant scheme.

The objective of the street furniture grant scheme is to contribute to vibrant City, Town, and Village centre and assist and support the hospitality sector with a grant towards the cost of equipment in providing additional outdoor seating and accessories in reopening post COVID 19.

A consistent and high quality standard in the street furniture will be required in order to enhance the appeal of the city, town and village centre and to create confidence in visiting and dining in city, town and village centre.

The details of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme are as follows:

Food and Beverage retailers who wish to avail of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme need to apply in the first instance for a S.254 licence in order to be approved to place furniture in public spaces outside premises. The application form and details of the application process are detailed on www.waterfordcouncil.ie The fee for S.254 licence has been waived as a recovery measure by Waterford City and County Council.
All grants will be subject to compliance with conditions of a licence granted under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) or the conditions of a relevant grant of planning permission

The following items are eligible for the grant :

Tables, Chairs, Umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, temporary bike stands and wooden platform
Items must be purchased between 1^st June and 31^st August 2020 and payment will be made to applicants on submission of receipt for equipment purchased. The scheme will provide up to 75% of the cost of equipment purchased / installed, with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant.

For further details on the scheme, please visit www.waterfordcouncil.ie or call 0761 102020.

ENDS

5th June 2020