Struggling businesses in Clare have been thrown a lifeline, following the announcement of almost half a billion euro in state supports.
An additional €250 million has been put into a loan scheme run by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, which provides essential liquidity support to businesses.
A further €200 million has also been added to the Future Growth Loan Scheme for longer term loans, whereby loans of between €100,000 and €3 million can be drawn down.
Head of the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Padraic McElwee says this will also give smaller retailers a boost to allow them to sell online, which is critical at this time to supporting local business.