Fund to offset Covid-19 costs

Tourism and hospitality businesses can reap the benefits of a new multi million euro fund launched this week.

The €26 million Covid-19 Adaptation Fund is to help offset some of the costs incurred in adapting their premises or operations for reopening. Costs including those for barriers and protective screens, the development of outdoor areas, personal protective equipment and sanitiser will be covered.

The fund is being administered by Fáilte Ireland and applications are open until 8 October. The National Tourism Development Authority estimates that there are approximately 12,000 businesses that will be eligible to apply for funding, making it the largest fund in terms of the number of businesses, ever administered by Fáilte Ireland.

The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin announced the funding on Tuesday. She said: “This investment of €26 million is another key action the Government has taken to support and sustain the tourism sector at this critical time. The fund will help eligible businesses to offset some of the costs required in adapting premises and operations in line with Fáilte Ireland reopening guidelines and applications are now open.”

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland: “The tourism industry is at the core of our economy, supporting regional development and job creation in communities across the country. The €26m Covid-19 Adaptation Fund, available through Fáilte Ireland, provides financial support to help eligible businesses with the costs of adapting their premises or operations.”

For more information on Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Adaptation Fund, visit failteireland.ie/covid-19-adaptation-fund.