Monday 11th November 2024
Fine Gael will cut costs for businesses around Cork with their ambitious plan, a Fine Gael candidate said.
Within 100 days of Government, Fine Gael plans to introduce a package to reduce the VAT rate to 11pc for food based hospitality, entertainment and hairdressers, provide a PRSI rebate for SMEs and establish a new energy grant scheme worth €4,000 for retail and hospitality businesses.
Cork North West Fine Gael General Election Candidate Councillor John Paul O’Shea said: “This is good news for businesses across Cork.
“Fine Gael will cut the VAT rate to 11pc for food based and entertainment businesses, along with hairdressers. This will be a permanent change to give businesses in Cork the certainty they need.
“A three-year PRSI rebate will also help businesses with fewer than 50 employees and an Energy + Grant will give those businesses in retail and hospitality, who we know need our help, €4,000 towards their energy bills.
“Not only will we cut costs for businesses, we will back our retail businesses and workers.
“Fine Gael will develop a Retail Crime Strategy and introduce a standalone criminal offence of assaulting a retail worker. We will also ensure that our Gardaí have the necessary resources, including bodycams and facial recognition technology to target repeat offenders.
“Fine Gael will ensure that businesses across Cork get certainty, that we have clear regulations and cut red tape for businesses.
“Encouraging people back into our towns and villages is crucial to supporting Cork businesses. Fine Gael will introduce a fund for ‘over the street’ roofs and we will create a diverse night-time economy all to drive footfall back into our towns and villages.
“Fine Gael is committed to backing businesses in Cork. Ireland is a great place to start a business, Fine Gael will ensure Ireland is a great place to grow and scale a business” Cllr. O’Shea concluded.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy. They are at the heart of every community, fuelling local economies, and providing good quality, stable jobs. They are what keep our main streets alive and we need them to survive.
“I have travelled the country, and I have heard loud and clear how business owners are struggling with.rising costs. They need help and they need certainty.”
ENDS
