KERRY County Council said it is looking forward to working with Fáilte Ireland in administering the new outdoor dining enhancement scheme which will give locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy food and drink in designated outdoor areas this summer.
A new €17 million fund for developing outdoor dining capacity in the tourism and hospitality sector has been approved with the dual aim of duel aim of providing funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity and to enable local authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres.
The scheme will supplement the extensive work and programmes already undertaken by local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and the government across the county in supporting the hospitality sector throughout the pandemic.
Kerry County Council can apply for up to €200,000 under this element of the scheme which will be open for applications on April 12.
The scheme, which has been welcomed by Education Minister and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, is open to individual tourism and hospitality businesses including hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions where food is sold for consumption on the premises.
Local Authorities will administer the scheme through their internal business perspective and processes.
All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative and other compliance requirements. Each business can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 or up to 75 per cent of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased or installed).
Costs for outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens and windbreaks, plant stands and wooden platforms will be covered under the scheme.
The expenditure must be incurred between this Thursday and September 30.
