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.
Fáilte Ireland - Tourism Supports
Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs - Deadline: 28th October
Applications for the Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs under the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) close on the 28th October 2020.
Through the scheme, grants of €4,000 will be available to B&Bs that do not pay rates to their Local Authority to assist with the costs of re-opening and operating. Find out more and apply here.
For those who have already submitted their applications, we are currently finalising all of your claims and we expect payments to start issuing within the next two weeks.
Covid-19 Adaptation Fund - Deadline: 31st October
Applications for Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Adaptation Fund close on the 31st October 2020.
The Fund will help tourism businesses offset some of the costs they have incurred in adapting their premises or operations.
Grants are available to make either structural adaptations, such as protective screens and the development of outdoor areas, or to cover the cost of items such as sanitiser or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Find out if your business is eligible and apply here.
>>> Click here for a Step by Step guide on How To Apply for Adaptation Fund
Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme Opens for Applications - Deadline: 5th November
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin T.D. secured €10million in funding for the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme as part of the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus Package. The scheme is being administered by Fáilte Ireland on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and applications are now open until 5th November 2020.
For more information and to check if your business is eligible to apply, visit www.failteireland.ie
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: