KELT Funding Information - Rural/Agri Tourism

Under this measure, KELT intends to build on the work commenced under the Leader II Programme.

Specifically, supports will be directed to encourage the further sustainable development of the rural /agri-tourism and equine sectors. The direction of these supports will seek to ensure the sustainable development of these resources for the benefit of local residents as well as visitors to the county.

Over the period 1995 - 1999, there has been a significant investment in the tourism product within the county, coming from a range of sources including Leader II funds. As a consequence, quality and standards have improved and therefore competitiveness. Under the new programme, further product development will be encouraged as required. However, greater emphasis will be placed on supporting the marketing of this product, both by individual operators as well as collective and co-operative initiatives.

Examples of key activity and actions that are likely to be supported in the new programme include:

• Collective marketing and promotion of County Kildare's tourism product, in conjunction with the local trade, the county, regional and national tourism agencies.
  
• Encourage appropriate product development and assist in the development of rural/ agri-tourism packages for sale to the domestic and international markets.
  
• Support the implementation of baseline tourism market research initiatives for the county.
  
• Encourage existing and new entrants to the rural/agri-tourism sector to develop strong networking and collective marketing to promote these niche products in the domestic and international markets.
  
• In relation to the farming community and farm families, support the implementation of sustainable agri-tourism initiatives, especially innovative projects.
  
• New small-scale public infrastructure developments to meet unfulfilled requirements in respect of tourist facilities, services and recreational amenities. Examples of this type of work include the development of local walking routes and cycling trails.
  
• KELT will work in cooperation with the Kildare Sports Partnership and support where possible the development of sports and recreational facilities and amenities.
  
• KELT will continue to support countywide infrastructural developments, such as tourism signposting, in response to deficiencies that still exist within the county.
  
• Continue supports to private sector and community based visitor attractions and leisure amenities, to encourage the further sustainable development of these attractions in response to identified market demand.
  
• Accommodation development will only be supported in limited instances, where an identified market demand exists and where displacement will not arise.
  
• Support for new entrants from farming backgrounds into agri-tourism in response to a sustainable demand, e.g. disused farm buildings to be used to support tourist accommodation requirements or other sustainable economic activity.
  
• Support the development of local festivals, summer schools and other similar events that aim to attract new tourism business into the county outside the main summer months. Assistance envisaged includes technical support and marketing assistance.

Notes:

Product Development/Leisure Recreational Facilities

Grant aid will be provided at a rate of 50% of eligible expenditure subject to a maximum grant of €65,000 to upgrade and expand existing leisure/recreational facilities and development of new facilities on a selective basis.

Priority in awarding grant aid will be given for the upgrading /expansion of existing facilities.

All capital investment projects must provide for costs associated with appropriate landscaping.

Eligible activity will include:

Cycling Routes developed on minor roads with appropriate signage, brochures and maps, concentrating on less congested areas and fully integrated with accommodation, leisure activity and tourism attractions.

Trail Riding developed for equestrian visitors with appropriate signage, brochures and maps.

Green Routes developed to attract tourists into rural hinterland and off the motorways and main national roads.

Disabled Visitor Facilities including accommodation.

Health Tourism for the development of health tourism projects that exploit rural resources.

Other Product: tourism developments consistent with Regional & National policies may be supported including water based activities, other recreational/ leisure facilities, and family orientated facilities/ activities where the applicant can identify a specific need and market is available.

Accommodation:

Proposals to assist accommodation must be consistent with Regional/National Tourism Policy and with Regional Initiatives.

All accommodation grant aided must be to four star quality except in the case of renovation of folder buildings where this might not be possible. Even then the quality must be at least three star.

Grant aid will only be available for accommodation (new or upgraded) where approved leisure facilities/activities are place or are being put in place or are already available in the locality.

The rate of grant aid will be 50% of eligible expenditure subject to a maximum of €60,000.

Restoration of farm buildings. Grant aid for the restoration of traditional farm buildings (including farm houses no longer used as domestic residences) as self catering accommodation will be available at a rate of 40% of eligible expenditure subject to a maximum grant of €40,000.

Tourism Marketing Promotion

All marketing initiatives must only be undertaken in co-operation with the relevant Regional Tourism Authority.

Eligible activities under marketing will include:

• Advertising - priority will be given to co-operative advertising.
  
• Direct Mail
  
• Attendance at sales workshops
  
• Development of internet and websites by an amalgamation of community groups or community groups in association with agri-tourism promoters or networking groups.

Grant aid will be available at a rate of 50% of eligible expenditure subject to a maximum grant of €10,000 for an individual initiative and €50,000 in respect of group/co-operative initiatives over the period of the programme to 2006.

Marketing groups may comprise of:

• Product/sectoral marketing groups
  
• Community/voluntary organisations in association with rural dwellers, including farmers, covering a distinct geographical area
  
• Rural/agri-tourism co-operatives/marketing and sales groups

Aid will be also available for organisations/co-operatives with a central reservation system towards the costs of setting up and networking.

A three-year Marketing Plan must be provided in respect of all applications under the measure.

Grant aid is not available in respect of individual applications for print promotional material or for the development of websites.

Rates of Aid (Rural/Agri Tourism projects)

All aid is subject to deminimus aid rules.

The maximum rate of aid will be 50% (except those projects where other rates have been determined).

A maximum grant of up to €65,000 will apply to projects, except accommodation and tourism marketing where the limits have been determined.

Equine Sector:

The equine sector is an important sector to the County Kildare economy. Under the Leader Plus programme, examples of the type of activity that are likely to be supported under this measure include:

• Continued support for the expansion and establishment of the Kildare Horse Thoroughbred County brand, an innovative strategic initiative for County Kildare.
  
• Support to the equestrian tourism product in order to stimulate a more vibrant and sustainable industry.
  
• Develop a stronger network of equestrian tourism operators and support collective marketing activity, especially for the production and promotion of integrated equestrian itineraries and tourism packages to the general public and international travel trade.
  
• Encourage the establishment of linkages and networking with major equestrian attractions such as the three County Kildare racecourses, to assist in the marketing and promotion of equestrian tourism centers.
  
• Support the continued development of the accredited Farrier Training School.
  
• Accredited training of staff and manpower.

Rates of Aid (Equine Sector)

All aid is subject to deminimus aid rules.

Leader Plus cannot duplicate existing schemes involving supports for the breeding, promotion or marketing of horses. All projects concerning horses will have to be referred to the Department for clarification.

The maximum rate of aid will be 50%.

A maximum grant of up to €65,000 will apply to all projects. In exceptional circumstances and subject to the prior approval of the Department, aid up to €100,000 may be granted.