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Scheme / Grant

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford outdoor dining awarded €500,000

Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland have announced €506,693 funding to Waterford City and County Council for outdoor dining in the City and Dungarvan under the Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme.

Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme opened for applications in March 2021, with all Local Authorities invited to apply for funding under the Scheme – to develop streets and public spaces to facilitate outdoor dining in urban tourism centres.

Working in collaboration with local businesses the funding received from Failte Ireland will provide access to outdoor seating for extended periods throughout the year and create a quality year-round, outdoor dining trail.

outdoor_dining_waterford

The funding allocated to the City is €354,919 for the provision of an outdoor dining trail stretching from Bailey’s New Street in the Viking Triangle to the Cultural Quarter in O’Connell Street and will support the provision of large parasols with heating, lighting and side screens in various locations along the trail. The funding of €151,774 announced for Grattan Square, Dungarvan goes towards the provision of large parasols and planters also.

Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said that the funding will assist local businesses in extending their outdoor dining offers all year round.  “The addition of accessible outdoor seating and heating will provide a permanency to outdoor dining in Waterford city and Dungarvan, and provide more options to locals and visitors.”

“Waterford City and County Council is working closely with local businesses in the roll-out of the outdoor infrastructure as we build on consolidating Waterford’s outdoor dining offering right throughout the year.”

Lisa Fitzgerald, Proprietor of The Italian Bakery and The Ice Cream Place said, “In the main, we have enjoyed a relatively successful summer of outdoor dining in Waterford.  However, as we come into the autumn, we will be in position to provide our customers with a more comfortable outdoor dining experience.”

“The addition of the heated and lighted parasols will be a real draw as people are still, in the wake of COVID-19, more comfortable dining outdoors, so it’s great to be able to offer that alternative right throughout the year.”

This week’s announcement relates to Part Two of the Scheme.  Part One of the Scheme, Outdoor Seating and Accessories, supports individual hospitality businesses with grants of up to €4,000 for seating, tables and outdoor accessories.  Closing date for receipt of applications is September 30th 2021.

Local businesses can apply through Waterford City and County Council. Details of the Outdoor Dining Scheme can be found at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Targeted Call For Funding Advance Notice. September 2021

The following online information workshop will be held in advance of opening the next official call for Expression of Interests (EoI) for funding under the new Transitional LEADER Programme 2021-2022

Participation in our online information sessions is compulsory if you intend to apply for funding.

When?
Tues 7th September Teams Online session 10 am – 11 am

Funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development.

Please register your interest in this targeted funding call by 12 pm on Friday 3rd September to be invited to the online information session by emailing us at info@wlp.ie or claire.connors@wlp.ie

NB: Please register your interest in this targeted call for funding by emailing info@wlp.ie or claire.connors@wlp.ie, before 12 pm on Friday 3rd September 2021. If you wish others in your organisation to attend online provide emails addresses in the body of your email. Max of two per organisation.

Following participation in our online workshop, Waterford Leader Partnership CLG, on behalf of County Waterford LCDC, will seek Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

Opening date for EOIs is  11 am on Tuesday 7th September to 12 pm on Friday 10th September
Successful & unsuccessful EOI’s will be advised by 5 pm on Friday 10t

Successful applicants must be available to participate in an online workshop on completing the funding application on Tuesday 14th September 10 am – 11 am.

All Calls for applications open at 11 am on Tuesday 14th September however there are two deadlines for submission of applications dependent on whether planning permission is required.  If planning is not required, the closing date for applications is Friday 5th November at 12 pm.

Please note that if planning permission is required, the closing date for applications is longer to facilitate this process with a deadline of Friday 19th November at 12 pm
Invitation to the application stage does not mean that you will be awarded grant aid as it is a competitive process.

(Please note that the minimum grant amount is €5,000 and the maximum is €200,000)

Funding may be awarded under all themes and sub-themes to a maximum of 75% of the total project cost for private promoters subject to participation in an energy baseline study (with WLP or LEO) and up to 75% for community group applicants.
Consideration of the rate of aid offered will be done on a project-by-project basis.
An Irish version of this Call will be available on our website www.wlp.ie

Call themes & budgets are as follows:
Total Budget under transitional LEAdER Programme €480,000.
Plus European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI) funding of €500,000.

Download the official notice here:

By Waterford City & County Council

Streetscape Enhancement Initiative:€7 million fund to enhance streetscapes & shopfronts

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces the 124 towns and villages to benefit from new €7 million fund to enhance streetscapes & shopfronts

  • Projects to include upgrades to building facades, artwork, murals, lighting, street furniture and canopies
  • Investment designed to make rural towns and villages more colourful, vibrant and attractive places
  • Minister Humphreys encourages businesses and property owners to contact their local authority to apply

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 124 towns and villages that will benefit from a new €7 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and is designed to make our rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit.

Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

The 124 towns and villages announced by the Minister today were selected by each local authority, which will now begin the process of advertising locally for applications.

Towns Nominated under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure 2021 in Waterford :

  • Passage East
  • Bunmahon
  • Portlaw
  • Lismore
  • streetscape_enhancement_initiative

The types of projects to be supported include:

  • strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours
  • commissioning of murals in towns and villages
  • upgrade or restoration of historic/traditional shopfronts
  • provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes
  • illumination and lighting of architectural features
  • installation of canopies and street furniture
  • decluttering of streetscapes with the removal of unnecessary signs/wires

Minister Humphreys today encouraged business and property owners in any of the 124 towns and villages selected to contact their local authority for information on how to apply.

Announcing the 124 towns and villages today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike.

“Whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture – this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“And so over the coming weeks, local authorities will work closely with businesses and property owners to give our towns and villages the facelift they deserve.”

The Minister added:

“When I launched the Government’s new rural policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, I said I wanted to reimagine and revitalise rural communities.

“This initiative is a key part of realising that goal. I am really looking forward to seeing the sort of proposals that are put forward over the coming weeks.”

“If you are a business or property owner in any of the 124 towns and villages selected, I encourage you to contact your local authority for details on how to apply.

“I have no doubt the projects funded by this initiative will make a huge difference to our rural towns and villages and, most importantly, the families who live there.”

The list of towns is included available on gov.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €240,000 for remote working under the Connected Hubs Scheme

Waterford is one of 117 remote working projects to receive €8.8 Million in grants, announced on Thursday July 22nd by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Boxworks, WorkLabs, Waterford City Enterprise Centre, Dungarvan Enterprise Centre and Dunhill Ecopark have been awarded €240,890.

The funding will enable the five participating Waterford hubs to enhance and add capacity to their remote and co-working infrastructure. Grants will also fund measures to assist hubs to deal with COVID related challenges.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly expressed his delight on the announcement, “This investment is extremely important for small businesses in Waterford. Well before the effects of Covid on our working life we in County Waterford were blessed with some of the best ‘Connected Hubs’ in the country. Now as we look forward, remote working will be a permanent reality for many businesses, large and small. Investment like this will make Waterford more competitive and that’s good for everyone.”

Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Richie Walsh explained how this successful collaboration transpired, “When the opportunity of funding arose Brid Kirby of LEO Waterford and I met with a number of enterprise hubs and Boxworks, WorkLabs, Waterford City Enterprise Centre, Dungarvan Enterprise Centre and Dunhill Ecopark ended up being enthusiastic partners in this application. This kind of collaboration between state bodies, the enterprise sector and local communities is a model for future best practice with everybody working together for the greater common good of Waterford

The proposed works within the five hubs include improved and more efficient remote working spaces, installation of privacy booths, improved broadband infrastructure, energy savings and improvements. We can use these funds to make the constantly evolving workplace even more viable for business in Waterford.”

Announcing the successful projects in Carlow, Minister Humphreys said, “Our Rural Future recognises hubs as ideal locations for people to work remotely, as well as acting as key economic assets for towns and villages. The increased shift to remote working as a result of the pandemic has provided a golden opportunity for a greater regional distribution of jobs to support a better work life balance for many people. The investment announced today will provide an increased number of families and individuals with the option to live and work in our rural communities.  Remote working from hubs and Broadband Connection Points benefitting from this funding will also support local economies and assist in reducing our carbon emissions.”

With almost 400 remote working hubs already identified and mapped on connectedhubs.ie, this network will continue to grow and develop over the coming months and years and the government would urge all existing and new hubs to become members and take advantage of the ongoing supports which the Network will provide.

By Waterford City & County Council

Grants up to €50k available for concerts and events companies

An €11.5 million Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS) has been launched targeted at SMEs that have been affected significantly by the COVID-19 public health restrictions. A grant of up to €50,000 is available to successful applicants as a contribution to their fixed costs.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin launched the new support scheme to help companies working in the events sector.

Minister Catherine Martin said: “The Events Industry was one of the first sectors to close and unfortunately will be one of the last to reopen. It provides work for tens of thousands of people and is the lifeblood for many services and suppliers in villages, towns and cities throughout the country”.

The scheme will be run by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and is in addition to the packages the government has put in place to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS), the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.

To be eligible for this scheme the business must have been ineligible for support under the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by Revenue.

Guidelines for the scheme can be found at gov.ie/ESCSS

Queries on the scheme can be emailed to ESCSS@tcagsm.gov.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Tánaiste Opens Funding Scheme to Help Businesses with Fixed Costs

Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) open from today for applications from both SMEs & microenterprises

Thursday 10 June 2021 The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD today, opened the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) for a second round of applications from both SMEs and microenterprises. Businesses that received the grant in the first round can receive a second grant provided they are still eligible.

From today SMEs and microenterprises can apply for a grant of €4,000 for those with turnover above €50,000 and €1,000 for microenterprises with a turnover of between €20,000 and €49,999, via a new streamlined application process through their Local Authority or Local Enterprise Office.

Following on from a recent Government decision, businesses operating from non-rateable premises, such as a home office or hot-desk are also eligible to apply.

The Tánaiste said:

“This Scheme will help small businesses not eligible for our other schemes with their fixed costs. Both SMEs and our microenterprises, those with fewer than 10 employees, can apply for a grant of €4,000 or €1,000 depending on the size of the business.

“We extended the eligibility recently to include those businesses that are operating from non-rateable premises such as a home office or hot-desk. Our aim throughout the pandemic, has been to include as many businesses as possible with all the Government funding schemes that are in place.

“Interested businesses can apply from today through their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or Local Authority and I’d encourage them to do so. I know it’s a modest enough grant but it will make a big difference in helping with utility, IT, legal and accountancy bills and the other fixed costs incurred by a business.

“My message to those running businesses today is that the Government will continue to help you as you get back on your feet. Brighter days are ahead.”

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is for businesses which are not eligible for CRSS or other sector specific grants, that are down 75% or more of turnover.

Those who applied under Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for a second payment of €4,000 or €1,000 if they continue to meet the criteria. Interested businesses should contact their Local Authority or LEO. Closing date for Phase 2 applications is the 21st of July.

Businesses in receipt of the Employment Wage Subsidy can apply for and receive this grant without it affecting their claim.  It is a grant, not a loan or tax credit and is not re-payable.

These schemes are in addition to the comprehensive package the Government has put in place to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.

The Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English T.D. said:

“With the economy now re-opening in clear phases, and the vaccine roll-out comprehensively underway, the SBASC is an important element of the Economic Recovery Plan which sets out our renewed package of assistance, investments and policies for a new stage of economic recovery, providing a clear pathway for the labour market and enterprise towards new opportunities.

“SBASC will support those small and micro businesses in Ireland who will play a pivotal role in maintaining jobs and creating new opportunities for employment right across the country.  I urge qualifying businesses to apply for this support to help them through the next few months as the economy emerges once again from the impact of the pandemic.”

Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy T.D. said:

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and their recovery will be central to our jobs-led recovery. As we gradually reopen society, the expansion and streamlining of SBASC for Q2 applications to assist both small and micro enterprises will help address some of their fixed costs as they get back to business. While modest, Government is committed to supporting their long-term viability, particularly as we move into the early stages of recovery.

Through the various policies, financial support schemes available and regulatory responses currently underway we hope to rebuild a better, more resilient economy. Engagement will continue to ensure we are responsive to the needs of business and I encourage small businesses to ensure they are aware of the supports available to them.”

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces €14 Million Fund to support outdoor adventure activities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €14 Million Fund to support outdoor adventure activities

  • Fund to develop recreational activities at mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs 
  • Investment will support Tidal Pools, Floating Boardwalks, Mountain Trails, Forest Walks, Greenways & Blueways
  • Focus on supporting adventure activities such as kayaking, mountaineering, surfing, paragliding and outdoor swimming

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened a called for applications for €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.

The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious new policy for Rural Ireland.

The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.

The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.

Today’s funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

Launching the Fund today, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious new policy for rural development, I want to see rural Ireland become a destination of choice domestically and internationally for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism.

“The €14m Fund I am announcing today is focused on supporting a wide range of activities and projects for persons of all ages and abilities.

“I want to see applications coming forward which seek to develop and improve access to rural Ireland’s unique, natural amenities such as our lakes, rivers and beaches, as well as our forests, mountains and bogs.

“Through this Fund, we will invest in the development of forest and mountain trails, tidal pools, floating boardwalks on our lakes and bogs, greenways, blueways, bridleways and much more.

“COVID-19 has given us all a renewed appreciation for our great outdoors. Through this fund, I want us to develop our fantastic natural amenities so that people can access them and enjoy them.

“Successful projects will also bring significant economic spin off benefits for our rural towns and villages by attracting both domestic and international tourists in the future.”

Projects applications will be accepted from Local Authorities under the following Measures:

  • Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €20,000,
  • Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
  • Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
  • Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

Also welcoming the funding, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

“Over the last 3 years, Fáilte Ireland has invested €11million to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with a further €4million committed for 2021.

“Our partnership has helped transform the landscape of Ireland by investing in infrastructure across the country to expand and develop facilities for outdoor recreation activities including walking, cycling, watersports and running.

“With 226 projects funded to date in 2021, we look forward to supporting the Department of Community and Rural Development and Fáilte Ireland in developing the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2021. 

“With increasing numbers of people participating in outdoor activities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, the ORIS scheme supports the development of new routes and paths, provides invaluable funding towards improvements, maintenance and upkeep of some of Ireland’s most popular trails.  

“These outdoor amenities provide access to healthy, sustainable recreation for locals and visitors alike, while also providing economic benefit for local communities nationwide.”

For more information about the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme visit gov.ie.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council open applications for Fáilte Ireland’s new ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’

Waterford City & County Council opens applications for Fáilte Ireland’s new ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’, today April 12th 2021.

This scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses and other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises.

Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 for up to 75% of the ex VAT cost of equipment purchased. Eligible expenditure will include: outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens, wind breakers, plant stands and wooden platforms.

Expenditure must have been incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021.

The provider of the hospitality offering must hold a section 254 licence in accordance with section 254 of Planning and Development Act 2000.

No fees will be applied for the 254 licence in 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2021

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages for funding of suitable projects under this initiative.

Expression of Interest forms and details of the Scheme outline can be obtained by emailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed Expression of Interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 23rd April 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council to open applications for Fáilte Ireland’s new ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’

Waterford City & County Council to open applications for Fáilte Ireland’s new ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’ on April 12th.

In accordance with the new Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’ for tourism and hospitality businesses launched this afternoon Waterford City & County Council will be accept applications from April 12th.

This scheme will be open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses and other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises.

Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 for up to 75% of the ex VAT cost of equipment purchased. Eligible expenditure will include: outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens, wind breakers, plant stands and wooden platforms.

Expenditure must have been incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021.

The provider of the hospitality offering must hold a section 254 licence in accordance with section 254 of planning and development act 2000.

No fees will be applied for the 254 licence in 2021.

Full details of the Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Outdoor dining enhancement scheme’ scheme along with the application process will be available on Waterford City and County Council’s website waterfordcouncil.ie on April 12th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Lismore Castle Arts Stable Studio Awards 2021

Lismore Castle Arts welcomes applications from artists for our Stable Studio. The studio is available for free with mentoring and support from Lismore Castle Arts. Each award will also include a stipend of €400.

The studios are available for 1 month periods throughout 2021:

1 – 28 June;

1 – 30 July;

2 – 31 August.

(Note the above dates may be subject to change depending on Government restrictions)

To register your interest please send a letter and supporting documents to LCA by 7 May 2021: gallery@lismorecastlearts.ie

Supporting materials may include a CV, PDF of examples of work, links to video hosting websites etc.  Note the studio does not have access to wifi, but artists can use wifi and office systems in LCA.

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Monuments Scheme 2021

The Community Monuments Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme is available for monuments in private ownership or community groups who want to commission a conservation plan, carry out conservation works or install heritage interpretation at archaeological sites and monuments.

Applications must be sent to Waterford City and County Council by April 12th 2021 to bguest@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2021

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages for funding of suitable projects under this initiative.

Expression of Interest forms and details of the Scheme outline can be obtained by emailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed Expression of Interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 23rd April 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications are now invited for the 2021 Community Heritage Grant Scheme

The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is now OPEN for applications. The Scheme closing date is Monday 29th March 2021 at 5pm.

The Heritage Council has allocated in the region of €1,000,000 to its Community Grant Scheme 2021.

The aim of this scheme is to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites; that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections, or objects (including buildings). The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment. This scheme is intended to enable communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue their work in this area or to start new initiatives.

Project Timeframe

Projects that begin after the grant offer date in early May, and are completed by 8th October 2021 can be considered for funding under this scheme.

Who can apply?

• The scheme is open to:
• voluntary and community groups
• heritage-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• not-for-profit heritage organisations
• Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) participants
• Adopt a Monument Programme participants

Applications from other organisations, private companies or individuals will not be considered.

How to apply

Submit your application via The Heritage Council’s Online Grants System by Monday 29th March 2021 at 5pm. Applications or supporting documents cannot be submitted after this time

Full details on the website https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2021

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