Businesses in County Mayo have, to date, received just short of 5 million euro from the Government’s COVID-19 Restart Grant to help them get back on their feet.

Mayo County Council is responsible for administering the Government’s Restart Grant. 

Mayo Fine Gael deputy Michael Ring says the total funding to Mayo businesses to date from the scheme is €4,800,000 and he claims the funding is crucial to help businesses to make a come-back after what has been such a difficult few months.

“The funding is designed to help businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. Businesses can avail of between €2,000 and €10,000 for this purpose”, he explained.

Applications for the Restart Grant are available from Mayo County Council and the deputy is urging all small business owners in Mayo to apply for the grant to help them get up and running again after COVID-19.

Mayo FG Deputy Michael Ring has admitted that he's very disappointed not to have been appointed either a senior or junior Minister in the new Government.

The Government has confirmed the full list of Ministers of State, with eight from Fianna Fail, seven Fine Gael and three Green Party TDs.

With no Ministerial job for former Minister Michael Ring, the Westport-based TD says he's very disappointed, and is also angered at the fact that neither his own party or Fianna Fail appointed a senior Cabinet Minister in Connacht, Donegal or Clare.

However, he has vowed to continue to be a strong voice for Mayo from the Fine Gael backbenches.

Deputy Ring says he's proud of the fact that he got over 15,000 votes in the February general election and was elected on the first count- whereas his party Leo Varadker was elected on the 5th count.

Deputy Ring says he is steeped in Fine Gael tradition and would not consider leaving the party, despite being disappointed at being dropped from Cabinet, but will continue to be a voice for Mayo and for rural Ireland in Dáil Eireann.

Hear the full interview on our lunchtime news at 1pm...

Three Mayo groups are to receive a total of 67,000 euro in Covid 19 Stability Funding

Mayo Fine Gael deputy Michael Ring says the  funding is being awarded to qualifying organisations that provide critical services to those most vulnerable in society to help with short term cash flow issues being suffered due to the COVID crisis.