What is the purpose of the 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. Local Authorities funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses.
The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising
costs faced by businesses. This is not a rates waiver; rates must continue to be
paid to your Local Authority.
How much is the grant?
The grant amount depends on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by
an eligible business in 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the
ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill
for 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000
and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.
– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not
eligible to receive an ICOB grant.
Who can register for the Grant?
Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from
a property that is commercially rateable and in receipt of a Rates Bill in 2024.
The Local Authority will write to businesses with further information and guidance
on how to register for the grant.
How do I qualify to receive the grant?
To qualify for the grant, you need to meet the following criteria:
1. Commercial Rates Bill: Your business must have received a Commercial
Rates Bill equal to or less than €30,000 in 2023.
2. Commercially Trading Business: Your business must currently operate
from a property that is commercially rateable. Businesses failing to meet
this criteria will be excluded.
3. Exclusions: Public institutions and financial institutions do not qualify (with
exceptions for Credit Unions and specific post office services, excluding
Company Post Offices).
4. Trading Duration: Your business must have been trading on February 1,
2024, and you must intend to continue trading for at least three
months from the date you verify your information.
5. Bank Details: You must provide confirmation of your business bank
details, including a bank header from the last 3 months.
6. Rates Compliance: Compliance will be verified by the Rates Department
in the Local Authority. Businesses with approved performing payment plans
may be deemed compliant.
7. Tax Compliance: Your business must be tax compliant and possess a valid
Tax Registration Number (TRN).
8. Property Entry Levy (PEL): If your business operated from a property
subject to a Property Entry Levy (PEL) in 2023, you are eligible to receive
the grant based on the annualized (grossed-up) value of the PEL bill issued
for that property.
9. Vacant Properties: Vacant properties do not qualify.
Please be aware that your local authority reserves the right to reclaim any grant
payment found to be incorrect. This includes cases of error by the recipient
business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business provides
false eligibility declarations.
How can I register for the Grant?
Businesses are encouraged to use the ICOB portal, accessible via www.icob.ie.
To complete your application, make sure you have the following information:
1. Council Customer Number and PIN: You will need to provide your council
customer number along with the associated PIN. You would have received these in a
letter from your local authority.
2. LAID Number: This number is available on your Rate Bill.
3. Legal Business Name: Your business’s official legal name.
4. Property Address: Include your property address along with the Eircode.
5. Email Address: Provide a valid email address.
6. Contact Number: This may be used to validate your bank account
details.
7. Bank Header: A statement showing your bank account details, company
or individual name, and date within the last three months.
8. Tax Registration Number (TRN): Ensure you have a valid TRN.
9. Tax Clearance Certificate: Depending on the grant value, a tax
clearance certificate may be requested.
10.Employee Count: The number of employees you employ (for statistical
purposes, not grant validation).
11.Self-Declaration:
o Your business is tax compliant.
o Your business has been commercially operating in 2024, trading
since February 1, 2024, and intends to continue trading for at least
3 months following the submission of the self-declaration.
The Portal will be the most efficient mechanism in which to avail of the grant but
if you need assistance in relation to the grant, please contact your Rates team.
Can I register per Business Property?
Businesses can register per property within their local authority area. However,
each property must meet the specified criteria to qualify for the grant.
What category of business properties are excluded from availing of the
grant?
Detailed below is a list setting out the category of properties which are excluded
from availing of the grant. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and if there
is any doubt you should contact your local authority.
Excluded Category of properties
Advertising Station Data Centre Library Plant/Other – Cables
Aerodrome Demolished/derelict Lighthouse Port
Airport Detention Centre Local Authority Prison
Airport Control Tower Easement Mast Public Body/Semi State
ATM Easement of Gas
Pipelines
Mast / Antenna Public Utility
Bank Easement of Mast Military Camp Railway Line
Barracks Electricity Monument Railway Station
Bike Stations Fire Station Network (Broadcasting) Reservoir
Broadcasting Station Garda Station Network (Cable) Terminal
Building Ground Gas Installation Network (Esb) Telephone (Exchange)
Bus Depot Gas works Network (Luas) Telephone (Kiosk)
Bus Shelter Generating Station Network (railway) Terminal/Control Centre
Bus Station Hangar Network (Storm Water) Tolls
Civil Service HSE Network
(Telecommunications) Transformer Station
College Landfill Network (Water) Transmission Station
Courthouse Landfill Site Pipeline Wind Farm
How do I register if I have Business Properties in different local
authorities?
If your business owns multiple properties in separate local authorities, you should
register with the specific local authority where you pay rates for each individual
property. Each property must meet the qualifying criteria to be eligible for the
grant.
What is the closing date?
The deadline for businesses to confirm eligibility and upload verification
details is May 1, 2024. The portal for this process will be accessible starting
from March 14, 2024. Prompt registration will expedite your payment, which will
commence late April, 2024.
When will I receive my Grant?
After you have submitted your grant submission, your local authority kindly
requests your patience as they review and validate submissions across the
county.
Can I appeal the decision?
If your business’s grant submission is denied, you have the option to appeal. To
do so, submit a written appeal to your local authority within 7 days of receiving
the notification.
If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including
outstanding balances, contact Westmeath County Council at
rates@westmeathcoco.ie or 04493 38959. Our team is happy to discuss
any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to
ensure compliance with the scheme