The first two projects under the Mid Shannon Tourism Investment Scheme administered by Shannon Development and Fáilte Ireland, have been given the green light today (Monday 14th September ’09) by the Board of the Mid Shannon Tourism Investment Scheme.
Oldcourt Tourist Resort, a new €10 million Integrated tourist project in Terryglass, Co Tipperary, and the Cloughjordan Village EcoHostel and Learning Centre, a eco-education centre in Co. Tipperary, are the first projects to come out of the innovative tax scheme.
Commenting on the announcement Tom Hyland, Chairman, Mid Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board said: “Both projects are an excellent fit for the Scheme’s overall objective, which is to stimulate the development of innovative and sustainable tourism products in the mid-Shannon area. Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development have heavily promoted the Scheme since its launch in June 2008, and in addition to the projects announced today, now have a pipeline of projects whose final applications are currently being prepared for submission to the Board.”
The Scheme was launched last year to provide tax incentives to stimulate investment in tourism attractions and facilities in the Mid-Shannon Corridor which includes areas in counties Clare, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon and Westmeath. One of the primary objectives of the Scheme is that all applications must satisfy the Board that the investment will generate additional tourists to this area which research has shown currently has a shortage of activities and attractions for visitors.
Speaking about the Scheme, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said; “We are delighted to have secured these two major projects for the Shannon Region and are encouraged by the level of interest from other potential promoters. This Scheme is already bringing tangible and lasting benefits to the area, and the entrepreneurial business people who emerge as a result of the Scheme can be assured of Shannon Development’s support in developing and promoting their new businesses. We will continue to work in partnership with the Board and Fáilte Ireland in the promotion of the Scheme to secure further investment for the Mid-Shannon area.”
Both projects are due to commence shortly. Once complete Oldcourt Tourist Resort will offer a wide range of tourist facilities and activities including: On site accommodation (42 self catering bedrooms) and interactive education facilities; an art gallery and heritage centre; a resort spa, watersports and an outdoor activity centre; health cuisine and bistro facility; and crèche facilities. The project will also involve upgrading and developing an existing private marina facility at Terryglass.
The Cloughjordan Village EcoHostel and Learning Centre is an innovative tourism product which will offer a wide range of programmes based on environmental issues, sustainable living and self-development, set in an eco-village environment. The accommodation facilities include a 3-storey building which will house twelve ensuite rooms, a lecture room, 2 tutorial classrooms, library, common room, kitchen & dining room and reception area.
The closing date for applications to the tax scheme has been extended by Government to 31st May 2010 and all approved projects must be completed by 31st May 2013. Details on the Scheme can be found in guidelines issued by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism in consultation with the Minister for Finance which can be viewed and downloaded at www.failteireland.ie, www.shannondevelopment.ie/tourism or www.arts-sports-tourism.gov.ie
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
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