RGDATA as part of the Local Jobs Alliance has launched a new report by economist Jim Power which sets out the key role that family owned SMEs play in Irish communities. “We are the key to economic recovery and local job and enterprise retention and creation and SMEs need to be put at the heart of the post Covid 19 regeneration plans,” RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley said.

The Local Jobs Alliance brings together seven representative associations in retail, hospitality, services and manufacturing. Infographic here. Click here for the press release and here for the LJA Jim Power Report.

Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme

·         Enterprise Ireland has €2 million to distribute to Irish-owned retail enterprise that had 10 or more employees on or before 29 February 2020, have a retail outlet and have an existing online presence. (Shops with less than 10 employees can apply for the Online Trading Voucher provided by Local Enterprise Offices).

·         The maximum grant available is €40,000. Successful applicants will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project costs. The minimum grant amount payable is €10,000.

·         Costs which successful companies will be eligible to claim for include: salary costs and consultancy fees to develop a digital strategy, enhance the company’s website or to provide training.

·         The final date for companies to submit an application is 3.00 pm on Wednesday 27th May 2020. Full details of application process and eligibility rules are available on the EI website now with the link to the application available from 29th April:  www.enterprise-ireland.com/retail

·         In addition to fully appraise companies of the application process and the key issues to be addressed in an application, EI hosted a Webinar on Friday April 17 – a recording is accessible through the above hyperlink.

If you have any queries or issues that need to be addressed get in touch by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As this is a competitive process EI won’t answer queries from individual enterprises that are making an application now that the process is live but they are happy to respond to queries from a trade association.

he government has agreed details of the new €250 million Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following Covid-19 closures. The Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5 million and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of reopening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000. Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online to local authorities from Friday 22 May. Click here for more information.

Pushed the boundaries for energy efficiency in your store? Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEAI) is seeking entries for the 2020 Sustainable Energy Awards. The awards are open to individual businesses, community groups and others who have introduced energy efficiency processes that promote more sustainable energy use. Click here for more information, and to apply.

Noel McGowan’s Spar store on the Main Street in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim sold a winning National Lottery ticket worth €96,007. 

And Ray Morgan's Spar store in Manor Mall Shopping Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin sold a Euromillions ticket worth €55,708.

Congratulations to both!

A new RGDATA app is now available – all the news and information you need at your fingertip including Covid-19 updates; RGDATA campaigning; HR advice, latest convenience retail innovation, research data and member survey results. Keep informed by downloading the RGDATA APP today.

All members have received an email with details on how to download the new RGDATA app. To access the app, you willl need your RGDATA membership number.

Any problems, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01-2887584 for assistance.

The Government has issued new recommendations to the public on the use of “face coverings” in public spaces “where it is difficult to practice social distancing, for example, in shops or on busy public transport”. The full guidelines are available to view here. When it comes to how this advice affects retail staff, it is clear that wearing face coverings is not mandatory in occupational settings.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley has been in contact with leading politicians engaged in the consultations to form a new Government explaining why local independent shopkeepers have a serious contribution to make in our efforts to reboot the economy. Click here to read the RGDATA message.

Do you have any issues or concerns that you want RGDATA to raise at the next meeting of the Retail/Food Supply Chain advisory group chaired by Minister Heather Humphreys? RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley will be on the conference call on Wednesday 20 May. Send any issues or concerns about operating during the Covid-19 crisis to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley is representing independent retailers on the Government’s Waste Advisory Group on conference call meetings over the past 8 weeks. The zoom meeting on 20 May will address the Circular Economy and members will discuss Waste Actions in a Circular Economy and the answers to the questions including:

• What are the top 3 waste management policy initiatives required to support a transition to a Circular Economy in Ireland?
• How do we ensure that the Circular Economy is embedded into economic recovery in a post-Covid-19 context?
• What are the costs/benefits of introducing national performance targets for food waste?
• What undertakings can business sectors such as food retailers, manufacturers and food producers offer to promote circular economy practices?
• Is there a role for a further extension of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes across products such as textiles, food and building materials?
• What are the areas with greatest potential for transformation in Ireland under the Circular Economy?