New supports available for Waterford tourism businesses

Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh encourages Waterford tourism businesses to apply for new supports to help extend their season and secure the future of their businesses. He was speaking as Phase 4 and Phase 5 of the Strategic Tourism Business Continuity Scheme opened for applications. The scheme is part of a total package of €55 million which was secured by his colleague Catherine Martin, Minister Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as part of Budget 2021.

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said: “Phase 4 and Phase 5 of The Tourism Business Continuity Scheme are now open for applications and these will be of particular interest to Waterford businesses. We have a very strong tourism offering in Waterford with world class attractions and accommodation. All of these businesses have suffered during the pandemic so I am very pleased to see these two separate schemes which will support our tourism operators into the winter and help them expand the traditional season into the winter months.”

The Tourism Accommodation Providers Business Continuity Scheme is open to Fáilte Ireland approved tourism accommodation providers such as hotels, guesthouses, hostels, holiday camps, caravan and camping parks, self-catering and B&Bs while the Attraction and Activity Operators Tourism Business Continuity Scheme will provide financial support to eligible visitor attractions and outdoor activity businesses. The maximum grant in both phases of the scheme is €800,000 and applications are open now with a closing date of September 17.

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh continued: “We have surfing, kayaking, cycling and hiking businesses which provide a wonderful offering to tourists and locals alike. They avail of our beautiful coast, our mountains and our greenway to attract tourists in large numbers to our county. In addition, our accommodation offering of hotels, camp sites, glamping sites, hostels and B&Bs is second to none with accommodation to suit all age groups and budgets. I would urge any business who feels they may be eligible to apply for this funding. Please contact my office if you have any queries on the scheme.”

Full details of Phase 4 and Phase 5 of the scheme available here: https://www.failteireland.ie/Identify-Available-Funding/Tourism-Business-Continuity-Scheme.aspx