‘Welcome relief for many businesses that have struggled to tread water’

She was commenting after the Executive Office confirmed the move following engagements with business owners and the relevant ministers.

Martina Anderson said: “This news will be welcome relief for many of the local businesses in Ebrington Square, who have struggled to tread water, like many others, over the course of the dreadful pandemic.

“Since March last year, a number of schemes have been brought forward by Sinn Féin Ministers such as rate relief and the localised restriction grant scheme in order to support local businesses as best we can.

“The Executive Office has shown leadership in this regard and I would urge other organisations in both the public and private sector to explore what additional measures they can take to ease the burden on small businesses,” Ms Anderson added.