The focus of this scheme is to provide a level of financial support to tourism and hospitality businesses, in our town centres, to purchase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and, therefore, increase their outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme will financially assist and support independent tourism and hospitality business owners to create outdoor dining experiences in a regulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.
The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business Scheme will be administered through Local Authorities and each local Authority has the right to use their discretion in regard to their process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions that are appropriate for their respective streetscapes, businesses etc. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements.
Note: The Scheme has been extended (as of 14/6/21) to include non-food serving pubs.
Grant Application & Payment Process
Step 1. All applicants for funding must complete and submit an application form.
Step 2. Each application will then be assessed by the Council’s executive to see that it meets all Scheme conditions.
Step 3. If approved for funding a Letter of Offer will issue to the applicant.
Step 4. Applicant purchases/installs the approved equipment.
Step 5. Applicant submits required documentation to draw down the grant to the Council.
Step 6. Grant payment is made.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses or other tourism and hospitality business establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises. Note: The Scheme has been extended (as of 14/6/21) to include non-food serving pubs.
Those premises that have no commercial rates outstanding to Donegal County Council or have a payment plan in place.
What items are considered eligible under the Scheme?
Tables.
Chairs.
Umbrellas.
Electric heaters.
Screens/windbreaks.
Plant stands.
Wooden Platform.
The tables and chairs or other furniture shall be of robust and stable construction to prevent movement in adverse weather conditions and should be agreed with Donegal County Council.
Screens/windbreakers must be agreed with Donegal County Council and will be subject to the following conditions:
Amount of Grant Available / Scheme Timetable.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Donegal County Council is making an addendum to the guidelines for The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Business. In recognition of the global demand for outdoor seating and accessories in some instances suppliers are unable to complete orders until January 2022. In these ‘exceptional circumstances’ applicants can still apply under the scheme and will receive their grants once goods are delivered and they can provide proof of deliver and in-situ. Applicants need to apply for the scheme prior to the closing date (8th October 2021) enclosing the quotes for goods, delivery dates from the suppliers and will still need to be compliant with all regulatory and planning requirements
Privacy & Data Protection
Personal information collected by Donegal County Council is done in order for us to process your application. Legally we can process this information as is necessary for us to comply with our statutory / legal obligations. The protection of your personal data is a key priority for the Council and your data will be processed in line with our Privacy policy which is available here.
If you require further information regarding our Privacy Statement please contact the Council’s Data Protection Officer (074 9153900).
Freedom of Information
Applicants should be aware that, under the Freedom of Information Act 2014, information provided by them in this Application may be liable to be disclosed. Applicants are asked to consider if any of the information provided by them in their Application should not be disclosed because of its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity. If Applicants consider that certain information is not to be disclosed because of its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity, Applicants must, when providing such information, clearly identify such information and specify the reasons for its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity. If Applicants do not identify information as confidential or commercial sensitive, it is liable to be released in response to a Freedom of Information request without further notice or consultation with the Applicant. Donegal County Council will, where possible, consult with the Applicant about confidential or commercial sensitive information so identified before making a decision on a request received under Freedom of Information.
Submitting an Application
Download your Application form here Application form for FI Outdoor Dining Grant Scheme
Completed application forms can be submitted by email to: [email protected]
Information regarding Section 254 licences can be found here.
An email acknowledging receipt of the application will be issued. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement phone (074 9172273).
Further Information
For further information on this Scheme please submit your query by email to: [email protected] or phone (074 9172273).
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