This is a very difficult time for businesses across Donegal and especially for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. Donegal County Council recognises that businesses are experiencing unprecedented challenges at this time and we are keen to ensure that you have timely access to information regarding available supports and advice.
This web page is aimed at providing this information. Because we recognise the Covid-19 emergency is constantly evolving and continually changing, we wish to furnish you with a comprehensive list of links that may be useful to your business.
Upcoming Tourism Virtual Events
Join Tourism Ireland’s virtual industry event on Thursday, 21 January
COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. Recovery will depend on many factors – not least the mindset of the overseas consumer and how this may have changed, and continues to change, because of COVID-19.
As you know, Tourism Ireland has been tracking consumer opinion and behaviours in relation to travel here, since the pandemic began. As part of this, an extensive programme of consumer research is under way in the key overseas markets.
They want to share with you the findings of the latest wave of COVID research, carried out in the top four markets, in December 2020.
You are invited to attend Tourism Ireland’s virtual industry event, on Thursday, 21 January.
Date: Thursday, 21 January, 2021
Time: 2.00pm – 2.45pm
RSVP: Please register by Wednesday, 20 January, 2021
The insights Tourism Ireland gains from this programme of research will ensure that their recovery programme is as tightly targeted and as powerfully motivational as it possibly can be – in order to drive a strong recovery for tourism to the island of Ireland as quickly as it is possible to realise it.
Fáilte Ireland Virtual Industry Event ~ Save the Date: Monday, 1st February 2021
Fáilte Ireland’s
‘Survive to Thrive’ virtual industry event will take place on Monday, 1 February 2021 at 10am.
Fáilte Ireland will share their plans to help the industry survive the COVID-19 crisis and begin the journey to recovery. The event will feature industry updates, briefings on the initiatives to support the industry and a live Q&A session.
Please save the date in your diary – the full details and event registration link will be available in the link below. Further reminder will follow.
Leading the Tourism Recovery, ITIC’s virtual conference 10th February 2021
Registrations open
In these difficult and troubled times for Ireland’s tourism industry it is important to step back and look beyond the pandemic as to what our sector will look like in the coming years. To that end the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) is organising a major virtual conference – to be broadcast live from the O’Reilly Hall in UCD - on February 10th from 10.00am to 12.45pm. Attendance is FREE.
Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS)
An overview of the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Speech is now available on the Revenue website.
Click on the image below for further details.
Covid-19 Tourism/Hospitality Business Supports
Please follow the link below for further information about available Tourism/Hospitality Supports including:
- COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
- Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme
- Covid Restrictions Support Scheme
- Local Enterprise Offices - Support Services
- Enterprise Support Grant
- Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund
- Restart Grant Plus
- Commercial rates waiver
- 'Warehousing' of deferred tax debts
- Reduction in the standard rate of VAT
- Covid -19 Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Micro Finance Loan
- Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme
Public Health Advice
For all questions arising as a consequence of COVID-19, employers are directed to the public health advice issued by the HSE. It is essential that all employers abide by this advice.
Income Support
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have a range of measures to provide income support to people affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) which are available here.
Business Continuity Planning Checklist
This checklist identifies a range of issues for enterprise to consider in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Government Supports for Covid-19 impacted businesses
Practical steps for businesses to take in dealing with immediate and severe financial challenges arising from the Covid-19 crisis
Government supports for working capital
Donegal County Council Commercial Rates
Ratepayers experiencing difficulties in paying their commercial rates are being encouraged to contact the Council directly by calling 074 91 53900 or by emailing info@donegalcoco.ie or contact staff directly dealing with their account- see detail here.
Other supports available
Business support agencies have a range of supports available to help businesses during this crisis:
Local Enterprise Office
Additional business support improvements to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and reduction in the Microfinance interest rate available through the LEOs
Further details available on: www.localenterprise.ie/Response
Further details available also in the links below: