Rental Subsidy

About this scheme

The Rental Subsidy, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Equipment & Property Supports, helps businesses establish themselves in Gaeltacht areas by reducing the cost of renting premises during the crucial early years of operation. It is primarily intended for businesses leasing premises directly from Údarás na Gaeltachta, though third-party leased premises may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The support covers a maximum of 50% of the annual rental cost, typically for the first three years of a tenancy. Payment differs depending on landlord: where the premises is leased from Údarás na Gaeltachta, the support is offset directly against the rental cost at source; where rental is paid to a third party, payment is made on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and the approved rental expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

• Business enterprises engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
• Primarily intended for businesses leasing premises directly from Údarás na Gaeltachta; third-party leased premises may be considered under the scheme case-by-case
• Eligible expenditure: annual premises rental
• This support falls under de Minimis Regulations, which cap the total aid available to any one beneficiary at €100,000 over a rolling three-year period (a lower threshold than the general €300,000 de minimis cap applicable to most other Údarás supports); if a business is part of a group structure, the threshold applies collectively to all companies within the group

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support, particularly regarding available premises to lease directly from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
4. 4If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
5. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Where the premises is leased from Údarás na Gaeltachta, this support is offset at source against the rental cost. Where rental is paid to a third party, the grant is claimed by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that the approved rental expenditure was paid.