Paddling his own canoe
A local tourism business operator has cautiously welcomed the announcement of €55M in funding through Fáilte Ireland for businesses hard hit by COVID-19.
Sean Thornton operates the popular Cavan Adventure Centre at Innishmore, Butlersbridge, from where canoeing, kayaking and paddleboard enthusiasts can get on the water.
He's not convinced that the latest tranche of funding will trickle down to businesses like his, which collectively form an important part of the overall tourism offering in a county like Cavan.
"At the moment we can’t open and it is going to be the same as last year. I would say it will be the end of June before we can advertise again,” a dejected Sean Thornton told The Anglo-Celt this week.
“Last year we were able to do marketing at the end of June 2020 and we had a few good months then in July and August,” he continued.
In relation to the latest funding announcement, Mr Thornton said he is exploring access to funding through Bord Fáilte to purchase some new equipment through this scheme or another.
He said he urgently needs new canoes and kayaks to sustain and grow his business once restrictions ease.
Optimistic
Mr Thornton is optimistic for the future and is confident we will see the back of COVID-19 at the end of this year.
He is affiliated to the Association of Adventure Tourism and revealed there are around 2,000 people involved in activity centres throughout Ireland. "They are fighting hard to get the Government and the Tourism Board to help us out," said the businessman.
Mr Thornton is hopeful the domestic tourism market will get a boost later this year as travel abroad will still be difficult and people will opt for staycations.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys has welcomed the €55M fund and is urging tourism business operators to apply.
The latest scheme is directed at businesses in the sector not previously eligible for the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) payment or other Fáilte Ireland continuity grant schemes.
"I am confident this will have a positive impact on the industry in County Cavan and will be key to helping it survive and thrive in the year ahead,” said Minister Humphreys.
The first phase of the scheme opens for applications on February 11 to businesses including outdoor activity providers, visitor attractions not eligible for CRSS, caravan and camping providers registered with Fáilte Ireland and cruise hire companies who meet the eligibility criteria.
Qualifying applicants must have a minimum annual turnover of €50,000 and minimum fixed costs of 10% of turnover.
Outdoor activity providers set to benefit include facilities like bike tours, surf schools, kayaking tours and walking tours.
A number of other local representatives have welcomed the funding announcement including Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF) and Senator Joe O'Reilly (FG).
“The Government will continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and ensure that appropriate supports are in place. We are now developing tourism for survival through the pandemic and recovery in the medium and long term,” said Senator O’Reilly.
Meanwhile, the National Tourism Development Authority also announced its heavyweight domestic marketing plans, investment commitments in outdoor dining and urban animation and its strategic priorities for the year ahead.