Featured image: Harvey’s Point Hotel, Co. Donegal
The government’s Stay and Spend Scheme begins today, 1st October, offering money back on your bill in restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses.
Taxpayers can claim back 20% of their food and accommodation bills in registered locations. A maximum of €125 in income tax credits will be given to tax-payers who spend up to €625.
The scheme is open from today, 1 October until 30 April 2021, including over the Christmas period.
However many Donegal residents and businesses will not be able to reap the full benefits of the scheme until Level 3 restrictions are lifted.
Heightened restrictions have impacted the majority of Donegal’s hospitality businesses again this month. Donegal residents have been told they should not leave or enter the county unless for work, education or other essential purposes. People living outside of Donegal have also been told not travel into the county.
Furthermore, the Stay and Spend scheme does not apply to take-away food orders, and current restrictions in Donegal allow restaurants and cafes to only open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin TD said: “It is unfortunate that currently our tourism industry in Dublin and Donegal is hugely restricted, and businesses throughout the country are impacted by the restrictions on movement to and from Dublin. However if anything it reinforces the need to provide what supports we can to tourism businesses. In this context, the Stay and Spend initiative will assist businesses throughout what will be a challenging winter season.
“While people may be restricted in their ability to move around the country, the initiative can of course be used for expenditure locally in cafes and restaurants, and I would encourage people to avail of the scheme to support our tourism and hospitality sector.”