Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant

As part of Budget 2024, the Government agreed a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Roscommon County Council funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses. 

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant is based on the value of the 2023 Commercial Rates bill for the property your business occupies. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal. Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing approved payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.

The main eligibility criteria are:

• Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
• Your business must have been trading on 1^st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you submit your information.
• Your rates account must be up to date. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
• Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number.

How much is the grant?

The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

What is the purpose of the grant?

The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How can I register for the Grant?

What data do I need to register for the Grant?

The following is the data that the local authority will require to validate your eligibility for the grant:

• Your council customer number and the PIN provided in this letter and Rate number which is available on your Rate Bill.
• Your legal business name and the property address including Eircode.
• Your email address and contact number.
• Your bank statement header which shows bank account details (must be dated within the last three months).
• Your Tax Registration Number (TRN)
• A Tax Clearance Certificate may be requested depending on value of grant.
• The number of employees that you employ and the business type (these are used for statistical purposes and not for the validation of the grant).
• You must self-declare that:

-  The property is not vacant.

• Your business is tax compliant and was commercially trading at 1^st February 2024. You must also confirm that you intend to continue trading for at least three months following the date of your submission.
• You must also consent to use of  supplied data for the purpose of processing the grant.

When will I receive my Grant?

Following your submission to avail of your grant, Roscommon County Council kindly asks for your patience as we review and validate submissions throughout the county.

What is the closing date?

The deadline for businesses to confirm eligibility and upload verification details is 1^st May 2024. The portal for this process will be accessible starting from 14^th March 2024. Early registration is recommended. Payments will commence from late April 2024. Use of the portal is the most effective method for businesses seeking to avail of the grant, . However, if you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us through the given phone number or email address.

Where can I find out further information?

Further information on eligibility and FAQ’s is available on our website at www.roscommoncoco.ie  If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account, contact 090 6632555 or email icob@roscommoncoco.ie.  Our staff will be happy to work with you if you have any outstanding balances on your Commercial Rates account.