West Limerick Resources - "Committed to the Community"

Encouragment of Tourism Activities

In most rural areas tourism is an integral component of wider rural enterprise and both should be developed in an integrated manner whenever possible. Rural tourism is also very closely correlated with agricultural activity. Environmental awareness and protection will be an intrinsic feature of this measure.

The Objective of this measure is to maximise the sustainable, balanced, tourism potential of West Limerick through the provision of necessary infrastructure and the development of the countryside as a recreational resource for all.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Analysis and provision of infrastructural needs for tourism and Countryside Recreation in a defined area

• Maintenance of vernacular features - in a way that protects the heritage of the features - such as disused railway lines, canal towpaths, bog roads etc.

• Development of the use of forests for countryside recreation

• Development of niche tourism such as crafts, speciality food provision, ecotourism, genealogy, archaeology etc.

• Development of the use of the Internet and e-commerce facilities in general for the provision of booking and information services to tourists

• Support for the development of tourism facilities and amenities

• Support for tourism marketing

Support rate for individuals and companies

• For capital and other projects, 50% with a maximum grant of up to €150,000

• Technical assistance, 75% with a maximum grant of €30,000

Support rate for community organisations

• For capital and other projects, 75% with a maximum grant of up to €150,000

• Technical assistance, 90% support with a maximum grant of €30,000

If you have a project idea and would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact:

Joan Casey, Programme Coordinator - 069 66294 or e-mail jcasey@wlr.ie