PART A - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SCHEME
Scheme Overview
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 by Offaly County Council. Offaly County Council 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.
1. Who is Eligible?
§ The scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses or other tourism and hospitality business establishments.
§ Those premises that have no commercial rates outstanding to Offaly County Council or have a payment plan in place.
§ Premises who have received funding under the Covid-19 Capacity Grant Scheme for Business 2020/2021 will not be eligible to claim for the same items under this new scheme. Applicants availing of both schemes are only eligible for a maximum grant of €4,000.
§ Please note you will need to submit a current valid Tax Clearance Certificate/Revenue Access Code.
2. What Items are considered eligible for the scheme.
§ Tables
§ Chairs
§ Umbrellas
§ Awnings
§ Pergolas
§ Gazebos
§ Retractable roofs
§ Electric heaters
§ Screens/windbreaks
§ Plant stands
§ Wooden Platforms, decking or alternative surfaces
The tables and chairs or other furniture shall be of robust and stable construction to prevent movement in adverse weather conditions and shall be agreed with Offaly County Council, prior to purchase.
If tables and chairs or other furniture have been purchased prior 12th April 2021, it must meet the criteria as outlined above.
Marquees will not be included or gazebos/pergolas with sides.
Screens/windbreakers must be agreed with Offaly County Council in advance of purchase and will be subject to the following conditions;
· Screens to be plain, coloured or neutral canvas type, not more than 1 metre high, spanning between or framed by simple metal type posts.
· Screens to be manufactured from flame/fire retardant material.
· Base plates or weighted bases to screening posts must not extend outside the licensed area.
· All screens, posts and bases must be demountable.
· Screens must be sufficiently robust to prevent overturning in adverse weather conditions.
· No advertising apart from the name of the premises to be used on the screens, without the permission of Offaly County Council.
All relevant Planning Permission must be in place prior to completing an application.
3. Amount of Grant Available
The scheme will provide for up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed with a maximum allowable contribution of up to €4,000 per applicant.
Only approved items/equipment will be funded. If project costs prove higher than anticipated/approved, an increase in grant funding will not be given.
4. Applications for Funding Timeline
The scheme will be open from the 12/4/2021 for applications. Applicants will apply through our online services. The scheme will close on the 08/10/2021. N.B. This date has been extended by a week from the original closing date.
5. Funding times lines
Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 8th October 2021.
6. Funding of Successful Applications
To apply for the funding, the following documentation is required:
o Original Quote(s)
o Original Invoices/ Receipt(s)
o Copy of Bank Statement highlighting payment
o Photographic evidence of items purchased on the premises
o The Section 254 licence for your premises (if applicable).
Successful applications for funding will only be paid to the applicants Bank Account.
7. Section 254 Application
If the furniture and accessories are to be used on public property e.g. Footpaths, a Section 254 Application is required.
Completed application forms or questions relating to Section 254 licences should be sent by email to
planning@offalycoco.ie
8. Legal, Insurance & Planning
All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements. It is the responsibility of each business to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place including appropriate insurance and Tax Clearance where relevant.
Offaly County Council or Fáilte Ireland will not be liable for any accidents, illnesses or claims arising out of any work supported by this fund.
9. Privacy & Data Protection
Personal information collected by Offaly County Council is done in order to process your application. Legally we can process this information as it 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 at:
https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Corporate-Services/Data-Protection/ or hardcopy from our offices at Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. If you require further information regarding our Privacy Statement, you can contact us at
dataprotectionofficer@offalycoco.ie or write to us at: Data Protection Officer, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 F893.
10. 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. Offaly 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.
Any further information requested on the ‘Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Scheme’ please contact by email: info@visitoffaly.ie