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
Leading the Tourism Recovery, ITIC’s virtual conference 10th February 2021
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.
The first phase of the €55million Tourism Business Continuity Scheme opens for applications on the 11 February 2021 to businesses who meet the eligibility criteria including:
- Outdoor activity providers (e.g. Bike tours, Surf Schools, Kayaking tours, Angling, walking tours, instructor led/guided tourism equestrian experiences)
- Golf courses with a tourism offering
- Tourist boat tour operators
- Hop on Hop off Bus tours with onboard tourism experiences
- Visitor attractions not eligible for CRSS (e.g. attractions with charity/not for profit status or that are primarily outdoor attractions)
- Caravan and camping providers registered with Fáilte Ireland
- Cruise Hire companies
To be eligible for the scheme:
- a business’ monthly turnover from October 2020 to January 2021 must be less than 25% of its average monthly turnover in 2019
- the business must have a minimum annual turnover of €50,000 and minimum fixed costs of 10% of turnover
- the business must not be eligible to apply for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) or have received funding through the Fáilte Ireland Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme or Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme.
Meitheal 2021
This year’s global travel trade fair, from April 13-15, will be a free industry event.
Expressions of interest are now open for virtual travel trade show #Meitheal2021
Closing Date for Expression of Interest is Tuesday, 16th February, 2021
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: