A range of tourism and leisure businesses in Galway are set to receive direct financial support under a €30 million government scheme designed to help the sector recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, said that grants of up to €800,000 would be made available to strategically important visitor attractions, outdoor activity operators, and accommodation providers in the coming months.
“Another summer season has been deeply impacted by the pandemic for businesses that rely on tourism, and they need help if their viability and the jobs they support are to be sustained as they head into autumn,” she said.
“I am pleased that a total of €55 million was secured for the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme in Budget 2021, and the initial phases of that strategy have successfully supported thousands of businesses in the sector.
“The next two phases will see €30 million of the funding allocated to key businesses and attractions in the form of direct financial support to protect their viability and competitiveness.”
Minister Naughton said that certain outdoor activity providers such as tourism golf courses, boat tour operators and visit attractions would be eligible under phase four of the scheme.
Phase five will see Fáilte Ireland-approved hotels, guesthouses, hostels, camping parks, B&Bs, historic houses, and self-catering accommodation receive grant funding.
The Galway West TD called on relevant businesses in Galway to establish their eligibility and apply for grant funding as soon as applications open on August 5. The closing date for applications in September 17.
“The importance of the tourism sector to our economy is well established, particularly in certain rural areas that do not benefit from alternative commercial or industrial activity in the same way as urban centres,” said Minister Naughton.
“And the tourism industry will play an important role in our economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic. It’s vital that the competitiveness and viability of businesses in the sector are preserved so that they are well-placed when that occurs.”
