Covid-19 Business Recovery and Revitalisation grant Aid Scheme supports over 200 businesses locally

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed that it has issued letters of offer to over 200 businesses in the district as part of the Covid-19 Business recovery and Revitalisation Grant Aid Scheme representing a total investment of £413,250.

The capital grant scheme was funded by the Department for Communities for urban town centres and by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for smaller rural settlements. It was introduced to help businesses address some of the operational challenges, in adapting businesses to implement social distancing measures for the protection of staff and customers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the scheme, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said;

“this figure represents a significant investment to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in the district by offering assistance to local businesses in their recovery from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Local businesses are central to a strong local economy and they have traditionally played a key role in the economic life of the Fermanagh and Omagh district. The funding available through the Covid-19 Business Recovery and Revitalisation Grant Scheme was targeted to address operational challenges that have come to light due to the current pandemic and to assist with them with business recovery and revitalisation.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, has been strong in its messaging in encouraging shoppers to stay local and support local throughout the pandemic. With hope for better days ahead as we slowly emerge from the current restrictions, I would once again encourage residents to shop local and continue to support our small business sector”.

Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, said; “My Department has sought to support our high streets and town centres through the pandemic via the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme which has seen an overall investment of £1.28m in Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area.  I am delighted that this programme is providing valuable support for local businesses.  My hope is that this funding will support the businesses in the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area on the pathway from lockdown.  These improvements will help to provide a safe and enhanced shopping experience for all, and support local traders through these difficult times.”

Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA, said: “I am pleased to provide funding from my Departments Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme to support rural businesses through the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme. Rural businesses are key to ensuring the sustainability of our rural communities and this investment will help rural recovery and revitalisation. I encourage everyone to shop local when they can and support their local business community. I know that our businesses are doing all they can to make their environment as safe and convenient as possible.”

The scheme enabled businesses to apply for a grant of up to 100% of eligible costs from a minimum of £500 up to a maximum of £2500 per property. The funding could be used to support modification of buildings internally and externally to facilitate social distancing or to support alternative business models including the introduction of one-way systems, installation of hand sanitising stations, coverings and awnings, signage and shopper collection points.

Applications for the scheme opened on 17 September 2020 and are now closed.