Fáilte Ireland’s €26m Covid-19 Adaptation Fund opens for applications

The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin, has today launched a new €26 million Covid-19 Adaptation Fund to help tourism and hospitality businesses offset some of the costs incurred in adapting their premises or operations for re-opening.

Costs including those for barriers and protective screens, the development of outdoor areas, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitiser will be covered.

The fund is being administered by Fáilte Ireland and applications will remain open until October 8.

Minister Martin secured funding for the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund as part of the government’s July Jobs Stimulus Package. Approximately 12,000 businesses will be eligible to apply for funding, making it the largest fund in terms of the number of businesses ever administered by Fáilte Ireland.

Announcing the launch of the fund, Minister Martin said: “This investment of €26m is another key action the government has taken to support and sustain the tourism sector at this critical time. The fund will help eligible businesses to offset some of the costs required in adapting premises and operations in line with Fáilte Ireland re-opening guidelines, and applications are now open.”

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, added: “We have taken this three-step approach to give tourism and hospitality businesses the guidance and support they need to re-open and reassure their customers that it is safe to visit their businesses.

“The tourism industry is at the core of our economy, supporting regional development and job creation in communities across the country. The €26m Covid-19 Adaptation Fund, available from today through Fáilte Ireland, provides financial support to help eligible businesses with the costs of adapting their premises or operations.

“Following an independent assessment of the potential costs of implementing Fáilte Ireland’s Guidelines for Re-opening, a sliding scale was developed to ensure a proportionate grant amount was allocated to different types of businesses. Our focus is on sustaining and supporting the tourism sector through this crisis.”

Eligible businesses can apply for the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund from today (Tuesday, August 18) until October 8. For more information on the fund, see www.failteireland.ie.

*Pictured above, the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin, pictured with Crebhan Hughes at The Doolin Inn, Co. Clare. Minister Martin has today launched the new €26m Covid-19 Adaptation Fund. Photo: Eamon Ward