Month: June 2020

Please ensure you have applied for the Business Restart Grant the deadline is August 31st 2020. Don't put it on the long finger get your application into Cork City Council this week if possible.

Apply online for the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant. 

The €250 million Restart Fund has been created nationally by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.  The purpose is to to help micro and small enterprises with the costs of reopening during Covid-19.  Companies can apply for a grant to Cork City Council of an amount equivalent to no more than their 2019 rates bill and there will be a cap of €10,000. The grant can be used to pay ongoing fixed costs, for replenishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety.

To receive the grant from Cork City Council, a business must:

• Have an existing rate account with Cork City Council
• Have an annual turnover of less than €5 million and employ between 1 to 50 people
• Have closed, or incurred a projected 25% or more loss in turnover to the end of June 2020
• Commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed
• Declare the intention to retaining employees that are on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and to re-employ staff on the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment where applicable

Apply online for the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant Below is a list of frequently asked questions however if you wish to contact our office for advice please do so: info@corkbusiness.ie:  Tel 021-4278295.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of business can apply?

Subject to the qualifying criteria below, any business that has a commercially rateable premise, or where rates are paid on your behalf and attributable to the business premises you occupy, can apply.

Multiple chain stores, i.e. a business that is a non-financially independent branch of a group of chain stores which is owned and managed by a single entity, are not eligible.  Non-commercial organisations such as community and sporting premises (including charity shops and community and sporting premises with a bar) are not eligible.  Businesses that do not operate from commercially rateable premises (tradesmen, service providers, etc) are not eligible.  Premises that were vacant prior to the Covid-19 emergency are not eligible for the grant.

2. How soon will I get my grant?

On average, we hope to issue approval within one week.  This depends, of course, on the initial volume of applications. Applications will be processed in relation to anticipated re-opening dates, in line with the Government’s strategy for the re-opening of the economy.

3. How much will I get?

The grant will be the amount of your rates demand in respect of the calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.  In the event that your rates demand was reduced on appeal, the appeal rate will apply to an amount of the grant if the grant is over €2,000.

4. If my rates demand for the calendar year 2019 was less than €2,000 can I receive a grant of €2,000?

Yes

5. What can I use the grant for?

The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, e.g. utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety.

6. If my premises was not rate assessed in 2019 am I eligible?

Yes.  The local authority will endeavour to assess what your rates demand for 2019 would have been and, if, for any reason, an estimate cannot be made the minimum grant of €2,000 will be paid.

7. If I have not paid my 2019 rates, am I eligible?

Yes.

8. If my rates are in arrears, am I eligible?

Yes

9. How do I apply?

The application can be made online via your local authority website.

10. How will the grant be paid?

The grant will be paid by electronic transfer to the business account detailed on the application form.

11. What are the criteria for qualifying for the grant?

A business must have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.

Businesses should retain supporting documentation as spot-checks may be carried out to verify a declaration to this effect.

12. When is the closing date?

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2020.

13. What is my Customer Number?

Your Customer Number is located on your commercial rates demand.

14. What is my Rate Number?

Your Rate Number (or LAID) is located on your commercial rates demand.

15. What is my Business Category?

Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy,  are as set out below

16. What is my Revenue Number?

Your revenue number is your Tax Registration Number (TRN) which is a business’ number for all dealings with Revenue.

17. What is a Bank Statement Header?

The bank statement header is the top of a recent bank statement indicating your business name and address and business bank account number, which should be scanned and uploaded as an attachment to the application form to verify your business name and address, and your bank account details.

18. How do I sign the form?

Applicants should type in their name and by pressing “Submit” they are confirming that all details are correct/true.

19. Do I need to submit a Tax Clearance Access Number?

If you are making applications related to a number of businesses/premises (totalling grants of €10,000 or more), or if you are supplying goods/services to the local authority, you must submit a Tax Clearance Access Number to allow your tax clearance status to be checked.

20. Where can I get more information?

Further information can be obtained from your Local Authority Business Support Unit at Phone: 021 4924000 or email restartgrant@corkcity.ie

21. If I am not happy with the decision to refuse my grant can I appeal?

Appeals relating to a decision to refuse an application shall be made in writing within 7 days of receipt of notification of the decision to appealsrestartgrant@corkcity.ie whose decision on the appeal will be final. 

It's just over a decade ago when €130 million of damage was caused in Cork City by Flooding. There, of course, have been several instances of flooding since most notably in 2014.
For those unaffected, the distress caused to hundreds of business people and many more who saw their homes and property destroyed can only be imagined. Flooding is a problem that has dogged Cork City for centuries. The city suffers from both tidal and fluvial (river) flooding, the consequences of which have been seen regularly over the years. Climate change makes the risk of flooding even more acute and preventive measures more urgent.

The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS) is the culmination of over 10 years of consideration and study of the River Lee Catchment and the complex nature of flooding impacting Cork City. It proposes a necessary, affordable, workable and integrated solution.

The Morrison's Island portion of the scheme is designed to remove an estimated 80% of the flood threat to city-centre businesses. The Bórd in their judgement said:

''Having regard to the nature, scale and extent of the proposed development and to the location of the site in an established, built-up urban area in the heart of Cork City and to the poor quality of the public realm and inefficient use of the riverside area which is dominated by traffic and parked cars, to the poor state of repair of the historic quay walls, and to the severity and hardship experienced by residents and businesses in the area, the Board considers that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, the proposed development would deliver significant benefits in terms of reducing the risk of tidal flooding in the area, would provide for necessary remedial works to the quay walls would provide for a much improved public realm along the waterside would deliver a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists and would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety.

The the proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the current Cork City Development objectives for the area, would not adversely affect the environment, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or property in the vicinity, and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the
area"

Morrison's island has long been in need of an upgrade and this scheme will deliver this. It will include a viewing platform over the river Lee, three new public plazas, a mini-boardwalk and much-needed upgrade and repair to our quay walls as well as integrated flood defenses.

There has been much written and said about this Morison's Island project and indeed the LLFRS scheme over the past number of years. The end product in terms of both the Morrison's Island element and the entire Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is as a result fundamentally better than what was originally envisaged. All who have contributed to the debate have done so from a perspective of delivering the best possible outcome for Cork and its citizens. To reaffirm this position we welcome that the Bórd has imposed a number of planning conditions including the appointment of an ecologist and conservation specialist to oversee the works.

We are listing below for your information the full un-edited report from An Bórd Pleanála.

Lawrence Owens

Chief Executive

Cork Business Association

Board Order ABP-303247-18

Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2019 

Planning Authority: Cork City Council 

Application by Cork City Council for approval under section 177AE of the Planning 

and Development Act 2000, as amended, in accordance with plans and particulars, 

including a Natura Impact Statement, lodged with An Bord Pleanála on the 13th day 

of December 2018, as amended by the further information received by An Bord 

Pleanála on the 11th day of July 2019. 

Proposed Development: Proposed development works comprising remedial works 

to the existing quay walls, construction of public realm improvement works and flood 

defence works between Parliament Bridge and Parnell Bridge along Morrison’s Quay 

and Fr. Matthew Quay, and a short section along Union Quay close to Trinity 

Footbridge, Morrison’s Quay, Cork City. Decision 

Approve the above-proposed development based on the reasons and 

considerations under and subject to the conditions set out below. 

Matters Considered 

In making its decision, the Board had regard to those matters to which, by virtue of the Planning and Development Acts and Regulations made thereunder, it was required to have regard. Such matters included any submissions and observations received by it in accordance with statutory provisions.

Reasons and Considerations 

In coming to its decision, the Board had regard to the following: 

(a) the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), 

(b) the Birds Directive (74/409/EEC as amended by 2009/147/EC), 

(c) the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, 

(d) the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2014/52/EU amending 

Directive 2011/92/EU, 

(e) the European Union Water Framework Directive 2000 (2000/60/EEC), 

(f) the European Union Directive 2007/60/EC on the Assessment and 

Management of Flood Risks, 

(g) the document entitled “Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in 

Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities” issued by the Department of the 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government (amended 2010), 

(h) the Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out 

Environmental Impact Assessment issued by the Department of Housing, 

Planning and Local Government (2018), 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 2 of 8 

(i) the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines, published by 

the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2009, 

(j) the National Planning Framework 2040, published by Government in February 

2018, 

(k) the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, which 

came into effect on the 31st day of January 2020, 

(l) the Design Manual for Roads and Streets, published by Government in 2013, 

(m)the Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021, 

(n) the submissions and observations received in relation to the likely effects on 

the environment, 

(o) the report and recommendation of the reporting Inspector and Senior 

Ecologist, 

(p) the likely consequences for the environment and the proper planning and 

sustainable development of the area in which it is proposed to carry out the 

proposed development and the likely significant effects of the proposed 

development on a European site. 

Appropriate Assessment: Stage 1 

The development has been considered in light of the assessment requirements of 

Sections 177AE and 177V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. 

The Board completed a screening for appropriate assessment of the project. In 

completing a screening for Appropriate Assessment, the Board accepted and 

adopted the screening assessment and conclusion carried out in the report of Dr. 

Maeve Flynn Senior Ecologist and the report of the Inspector in respect of the 

identification of the European sites which could potentially be affected, and the 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 3 of 8 

identification and assessment of the potential likely significant effects of the 

the proposed development, either individually or in combination with other plans or 

projects, on these European sites in view of the sites’ conservation objectives. The 

Board was satisfied that the proposed Morrison’s Island Public realm and Flood 

Relief development, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, 

would not be likely to have a significant effect on any other European sites, in view of 

the sites’ conservation objectives other than the Great Island Channel Special Area 

of Conservation (Site Code: 001058) and Cork Harbour Special Protection Area (Site 

Code: 004030). Consequently, an Appropriate Assessment was required of the 

implications of the project on the qualifying features of those sites in light of their 

conservation objectives. 

Appropriate Assessment: Stage 2 

The Board completed an Appropriate Assessment exercise in relation to the potential 

effects of the proposed development on the affected Natura 2000 sites, namely the 

Great Island Channel Special Area of Conservation (Site Code: 001058) and the 

Cork Harbour Special Protection Area (Site Code: 004030) and in doing so took into 

account the nature, scale and location of the proposed development, the Natura 

Impact Statement submitted with the application, the further information submitted to 

the Board on the 11th day of July, 2019, the submissions on file, the report of Dr. 

Maeve Flynn, Senior Ecologist and the report of the Inspector’s assessment. In 

completing the Appropriate Assessment, the Board accepted and adopted the 

the appropriate assessment carried out in the report of Dr. Maeve Flynn, Senior 

Ecologist and the report of the Inspector in respect of the potential effects of the 

proposed development on the aforementioned European sites, having regard to the 

sites’ conservation objectives. The Board concluded that the proposed scheme 

would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European sites, having 

regard to the Conservation Objectives for the sites. 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 4 of 8 

Having regard to the nature, scale and extent of the proposed development and to 

the location of the site in an established, built-up urban area in the heart of Cork City, 

and to the poor quality of the public realm and inefficient use of the riverside area 

which is dominated by traffic and parked cars, to the poor state of repair of the 

historic quay walls, and to the severity and hardship experienced by residents and 

businesses in the area, the Board considers that, subject to compliance with the 

conditions set out below, the proposed development would deliver significant 

benefits in terms of reducing the risk of tidal flooding in the area, would provide for 

necessary remedial works to the quay walls, would provide for a much improved 

public realm along the waterside would deliver a safe environment for pedestrians 

and cyclists and would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety. The 

the proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the current Cork City 

Development objectives for the area, would not adversely affect the environment, 

would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or property in the vicinity, and 

would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the 

area. 

Conditions 

1. The proposed development shall be carried out and completed in accordance 

with the plans and particulars, including the Environmental Report, the 

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and Natura Impact 

Statement and other associated documentation, lodged with An Bord Pleanála 

on the 13th day of December, 2018 and the 11th day of July, 2019, except as 

may otherwise be required in order to comply with the conditions set out below. 

Where any mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Report and Natura 

Impact Statement or any conditions of this approval require further details to be 

prepared by or on behalf of the local authority, these details shall be placed on 

the file and retained as part of the public record. 

Reason: In the interest of clarity and the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the area and to ensure the protection of the environment. 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 5 of 8 

2. The mitigation measures and associated monitoring outlined in the plans and 

particulars submitted with the application and as amended by the Further 

Information response received by An Bord Pleanala on the 11th day of July 

2019, including the Environmental Report and Natural Impact Statement, shall 

be carried out in full, except as may otherwise be required in order to comply 

with other conditions. Prior to commencement of the development, details of a 

time schedule for implementation of the mitigation measures and associated 

monitoring shall be prepared by the local authority and placed on the file and 

retained as part of the public record. 

Reason: In the interest of clarity and protection of the environment and in the 

interest of public health. 

3. Prior to the commencement of development, the local authority or any agent 

acting on its behalf shall prepare in consultation with the relevant statutory 

agencies, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), that 

adheres to best practice environmental management. The CEMP shall include 

specific proposals for monitoring of the effectiveness of the environmental 

management measures outlined in the CEMP, shall include hours of working 

for the construction of the proposed development and shall be placed on the file 

and retained as part of the public record. 

Reason: In the interest of protecting the environment, protection of European 

sites and in the interest of public health. 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 6 of 8 

4. Prior to the commencement of the development, details of measures to protect 

fisheries and the water quality of the river systems shall be outlined and placed 

on file. Full regard shall be had to the Inland Fisheries Ireland’s published 

updated guidelines for construction works near waterways (Guidelines on 

Protection of Fisheries during Construction Works in and Adjacent to Waters, 

2016). A programme of water quality monitoring shall be prepared in 

consultation with the Contractor, the local authority and relevant statutory 

agencies and the programme shall be implemented thereafter. Details of the 

programme shall be placed on the file and retained as part of the public record. 

Reason: In the interest of protection of receiving water quality, fisheries, and 

aquatic habitats. 

5. A suitably qualified ecologist shall be appointed by the local authority to 

oversee the site set-up and construction of the proposed development in 

accordance with the mitigation measures set out in the Natura Impact 

Statement. Upon completion of the construction stage, an audit report of the 

site works shall be prepared by the appointed ecologist and submitted to the 

local authority to be maintained on the file as part of the public record. 

Reason: To ensure the protection of the designated sites during construction. 

6. The detailed design of the proposed tie-ins between the flood defence walls 

and Parliament Bridge and all interventions to the quay walls including fenders, 

shall be the subject of a report by a Conservation Specialist prior to the 

commencement of works on the site, which shall be placed on the file and 

retained as part of the public record. 

Reason: To ensure that the detailed design respects the special interests of 

Parliament Bridge and associated maritime features. 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 7 of 8 

7. The developer shall consult with Irish Water to ensure that there will be no 

detriment to or interference with Irish Water assets. Any proposals to divert 

services and/or for temporary connections shall be agreed with Irish Water in 

advance of such works and access for operational and maintenance reasons 

shall be maintained at all times. 

Reason: In the interest of orderly development. 

Chris McGarry Member of An Bord Pleanála duly authorised to authenticate the seal of the Board. 

Dated this day of 2020 

ABP-303247-18 Board Order Page 8 of 8 

https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/environment/flood-management/morrisons-island-public-realm-and-flood-defence-project.html

Cork Business Association Launch a Free Resource to aid Cork Businesses

In Conjunction with Cork City Council

Webinar Launch Friday 19^th June, 11am

June 2020 – Cork Business Association in association with Cork City Council have relaunched their Cork City Channels and have developed a dedicated website to aid Cork Businesses as a completely free resource – www.corkcityshopping.com. To launch the website officially a webinar will be held on Friday 19^th June at 11am, with Ann Doherty, Chief Executive and Erin O’Brien of Cork City Council, Paul McGuirk of Cork City’s Local Enterprise Office, Lawrence Owens of Cork Business Association together with Sinéad Dunphy from Eventi Management who will give a quick masterclass on marketing and all things digital for Cork Businesses.

This new website is offering a collective one-stop shop showcasing Cork’s businesses with a focus on both the businesses’ online channels as well as their bricks and mortar business. The Cork City Shopping Chanel was originally launched in 2018 as an initiative of the Cork Business Association supported by Cork City Council to promote shopping in Cork city principally through social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter offering businesses an opportunity to work collectively to drive footfall into Cork city.

Eoin O’Sullivan, President of Cork Business Association was delighted to be driving the resource and said “it is so heartening to see the people of Cork supporting each other throughout these extraordinary times and we in Cork Business Association are thrilled to be driving another resource to help our great city, in the most positive way.”

In March of 2020 our country went into lockdown resulting in the temporary closure of most businesses and restrictions on the movement of people. However many businesses in Cork showed remarkable adaptability in turning to new ways of doing business amid the fallout from the Covid 19 outbreak. They reinvented how they traded either from starting a home delivery service to a takeaway offering or to opening an e-commerce element to their business.

On the implementation of the idea, Cork City Council Chief Executive, Anne Doherty said:

“We, the people of Cork are known for our pride in our city, and the resilience and good nature of the Cork people through this most difficult time has shown real courage and has fortified even further that true Cork pride. We see this resource as an excellent aid to Cork Business now in their recovery following the most unprecedented of circumstances. We truly are in this together and that is something we will continue long into our future.”

To support Cork businesses the Cork Business Association again generously supported by Cork City Council are re-launching the Cork City Shopping channel offering a wider and more expansive service and with its very own dedicated website as a completely FREE resource to businesses in Cork. Simply complete the contact form on the website (www.corkcityshopping.com) and they’ll do the rest. This service is open to all businesses in the listed categories so remember; we are all in this together and continue to shop local.

To attend the webinar please register on www.eventbrite.ie 

Conference Call with Bank of Ireland's Head of Retail and Head of Hospitality

5TH OF JUNE 2020  - 11 AM - ZOOM

This Friday the 5th of June at 11 am there we would like to offer our members to join in a conference call with Bank of Ireland Sectorial Heads Owen Clifford (Head of Retail) and Gerardo Larios Rizo (Head of Hospitality). This meeting is free of charge.

The subjects that will be covered are

•         Finding your way to viability post lockdown
•         Challenges and opportunities in the new competitive landscape
•         Strategizing for the anticipated change in consumer behaviour

Followed by a Q & A

Topic: Bank of Ireland CBA meeting

Time: Jun 5, 2020 11:00 AM Dublin

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86506977831?pwd=MzFnTWp2Y3ZoQVIrNDYvY3JZdVBxUT09

Meeting ID: 865 0697 7831

Password: 0eN57q

Owen Clifford is Head of the Retail Sector within Bank of Ireland since 2015.  Owen is responsible for the continuing development of the Bank’s growth strategy in this key area and has actively supported leading retailers and stakeholders in the sector to grow and develop their business in a sustainable manner.

Owen holds a first class honours degree in Law and Accounting from the University of Limerick and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland and an Associate of the Irish Taxation Institute. He previously held roles with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte.

Gerardo Larios Rizo joined Bank of Ireland in November 2012 after more than 15 years working in a number of roles in the hospitality sector.

His wealth of experience includes 7 years with the Rezidor Hospitality Group (Radisson Hotels) and over 4 years with Dalata.

Gerardo is now the Head of Hospitality dealing with new lending to the Hotel and Licensed Trade (Pub) sector.

Qualifications: Qualified Financial Advisor, BA in Hospitality, Diploma in Hospitality and an Associate Degree in Restaurant Management.

Dear Members,

As you may or may not be aware Cork City Council have launched an online consultation as per the details below. Submissions (https://consult.corkcity.ie/before 5 p.m. on Monday 8th June 2020).

Submissions are invited from the public, stakeholders and interested parties on this proposed one-way pedestrian movement. We have received feedback from businesses regarding the one-way pedestrian proposal expressing concern on a number of fronts.

The impact such a system would have on footfall in the street, the ability to queue on the street, the frustration of the general public on being re-directed from entering a street from a particular direction, who is going to enforce this regulation if implemented et cetera.

All businesses are working to ensure that their premises comply with public health safety requirements and the last thing businesses want to add too is more confusion to their customers which these proposals have the potential of creating.

Please engage with Cork City Council and convey your views on this matter. We would also appreciate any feedback directly from you on this issue and the Cork Business Association will communicate the collective view of businesses who respond directly back to C.C.C.

Cork City Council has  launched an online public consultation survey inviting the public, communities, businesses, and key stakeholders to have their say on the proposed implementation of one-way pedestrian movement on four city centre streets:

• Rathmore Road
• French Church Street & Carey’s Lane;
• Cook Street and Marlboro Street.

This consultation forms part of a programme of measures being prepared by Cork City Council to facilitate the awakening of the local economy and to support both residents and the public in safely returning to work and commercial life in the city and town centres. Cork City Council propose to implement one-way pedestrian movement on these streets, from Friday 12th of June 2020 until the 31st of August 2020.

With phase one of the re-opening of Cork underway since Monday 18 May, Cork City Council have temporarily pedestrianised the historic Marina riverside amenity and popular retail street Oliver Plunkett Street and have also been conducting a deep clean of the city centre and Glanmire, Blarney, Douglas and Ballincollig.  A public consultation survey on the temporary closures of Pembroke Street, Paul Street and Tuckey Street closes today (Friday 29th May) at 5 p.m.

Cork City Council Assistant Chief Executive, Brian Geaney said:

As part of coping with and recovering from the Covid 19 pandemic, the city is being re-imagined as the backbone of citizen’s lives. This is a defining time in our history, with so much uncertainty we must try and do what’s best and sustainable for the future and turn this challenge into an opportunity. In doing so, it is critical that we listen carefully to all stakeholders across the city and consult all communities and sectors. We are all in this together and I sincerely hope that citizens will participate in the upcoming consultation”.

Cork City Council Director of Operations, David Joyce said:

“The new measures proposed in the public consultation documentation will involve temporary changes to the flow of pedestrian traffic in order to maintain adequate separation space for public health social distancing requirements. Our primary concern during this unprecedented time is to safely facilitate people travelling to work, education and amenities. While the proposed measures focus on protecting the health and well - being, all interventions will need to be fully considered across all stakeholder interest groups, so please take the time to visit Cork City Council’s consultation portal to have your say.”

Submissions are invited from the public, stakeholders and interested parties on this proposed one way pedestrian movement. Submissions on the proposal may be made in writing via this online consultation portal https://consult.corkcity.ie/before 5 p.m. on Monday 8th June 2020.