At least 113 projects from all around the country have applied for funding under the new Fáilte Ireland Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects launched last June. The scheme provides a pool of €65m in investment to develop new, or boost existing, tourism experiences and attractions across Ireland and will run from 2016-2020.

Under the scheme, capital grants in excess of €200k and up to a maximum of €5m are being made available. Applications from the public, private and voluntary sectors including community groups and support for commercial projects were sought.

 This grant scheme takes an innovation-friendly approach to financial support with a strong emphasis on tourism impact. Following the launch of the scheme in June and a campaign to publicise it, Fáilte Ireland held a number of information events throughout the country to mobilise interest.

Fáilte Ireland CEO, Shaun Quinn emphasised:

 

“The level of participation in the scheme so far has exceeded our best expectations and I am delighted with the variety of proposals and the fact that we have received applications from every corner of the country. This scheme is central to the future development of the tourism sector and will ultimately fund a number of big bold ideas around the country which have the scale, impact and appeal to make Ireland a more compelling destination for overseas visitors.”

 

The Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects initiative is a rolling programme and the applications which have been received to date will now be assessed in terms of their suitability and feasibility with those deemed to have the best potential being prioritised for grant aid. Following this comprehensive analysis, it is expected that Fáilte Ireland will be in a position to start awarding the first grants in early 2017. There will be a further call out for more new applications next year.