Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has raised again with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, the pressures and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses across Cavan-Monaghan.
Speaking in Dáil Éireann during Questions on Promised Legislation Deputy Smith said that we are "very fortunate" to have a great presence of small and medium enterprises in villages, towns and rural parishes across the country.
Deputy Smith said he "welcomes" the very significant contribution those enterprises, whether it be in hospitality, retail or manufacturing, make to employment, the economy and the overall well-being of areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan. Speaking on the Increased Cost of Business grant which was announced in Budget 2024, Deputy Smith says it must be rolled out at a very early date, as envisaged.
He added that he hopes it will be rolled out seamlessly and that it will be business- and customer-friendly.
Deputy Smith continued; "Typically, owners of such enterprises work extremely hard and diligently, and with great commitment to keep the businesses going and to retain and where possible create new jobs. Businesses say to me very clearly that they need help now to offset additional costs that have arisen in recent years and that they will not be in a position to keep their doors open if costs are not reduced without delay."
