Cavan LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

Cavan LEADER Targeted Calls Round 1

Targeted Call: / Call for Rural Tourism Applications
Theme: / 1.0 Economic Development, Enterprise Development & Job Creation
Sub Theme: / 1.1 Rural Tourism
Strategic Action: / 1.1.5 Support for Sustainable tourism accommodation units & facilities Specific Element: Renovation of existing or derelict buildingsexclusively for B&Bs and Self-Catering.

Overall Budget for the Call:€300,000

Maximum Level of Funding:Up to €50,000-00 per project with exceptional projects potentially eligible for €60,000-00 however it is envisaged that the average grant allocation will be in the range of €20,000-00to €30,000-00.

Minimum Level of Funding: Eligible projects likely to attract a level of funding above €10,000-00 will be preferred.

Maximum Rates of grant aid:50% for private projects 75% for community Projects.

Timeline:Call opens 30th November, 2016 – Call closes 31st January 2017.

General Provisions:

  • All EOI’s submitted will be assessed for eligibility under the LEADER Operating Rules of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and compliance with the Cavan Local Development Strategy.
  • All eligible EOI applicants will be invited to a specific Animation Capacity Building Workshop in order to assist them with their submission of an application. Application forms and Guidance notes will be issued at this meeting.
  • Projects will be evaluated based on submission of a fully completed application form and all necessary supporting documents (see separate sheet).
  • Applications will be assessed by a committee as per scoring sheet (see separate scoring sheet) Minimum score of 65 is required for approval
  • The final decision on projects will be made by the Cavan LEADER Local Action Group.
  • Subject to Department approval, LEADER grant offers will be issued.(Contract Terms and Conditions will apply.)
  • There will be an appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.

Target Groups:New or existing tourism businesses.

Score Sheet

Strategic Action: / 1.1.5 Support for Sustainable tourism accommodation units & facilities Specific Element: Renovation of existing or derelict buildings exclusively for B&Bs and Self-Catering.

Assessment for the Targeted Call applications will be based on a maximum score of 100 and will be divided as outlined below:

Assessment Criteria / Actual Score / Weighting / Comment
1. Eligibility –
A. Does the project comply with eligibility criteria as set out in the Local Development Strategy?
B. Does the project comply with eligibility criteria as set out in the LEADER Operating Rules? / Pass/Fail
2. Deadweight – Does the project actually require LEADER funding to proceed? / Pass/Fail
3. Innovation – Is there something new about the project in terms of the concept or idea, the technology/production method, the promoter’s business model and/or the location? / 10
4. Displacement/Competition – Will the project be in direct competition with an existing local business and could it result in displacement of enterprises or jobs elsewhere? / 10
5. Promoter Background/Skills – What is the promoter’s track record and have they the skills and experience necessary to make a success of the project? / 10
6. Market Research/Need - Has the project been adequately researched? Has the need/market/demand for the project been firmly established? / 15
7. Marketing Plan – Is there an adequate marketing or promotion plan in place for the project? / 15
8. Financial Viability/sustainability – Can the project demonstrate its financial viability going forward? / 20
9. Job Creation – Will the project result in job creation - full time, seasonal or part time? Or will existing jobs be sustained/secured by this new project? / 10
10. Impact/Benefits – How will the project benefit the promoter, the wider community or the environment? Added Value – Is there added value from the project for the overall tourism development of the county? / 10
Total / 100
Where a project having submitted an expression of interest is admitted to the second stage of the application process and is issued with a full application form the following is a checklist of the accompanying information which will be required:
Grant Approval will not be made without consideration of all appropriate documentation relevant to your project.
Required Information
Applications will not be considered unless all the following is included;
Quotes as per National Public Procurement Guidelines- see thresholds and guidelines as set out in
and
Completed Schedule of Quotes (template available).
Evidence of company formation, certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association and
details of directors and shareholders (if a company), trading name and/or business name
Copy of Full Audited Accounts / Financial Statements / Management Accounts for 3 years.
Data Protection Act. Form.
Copy of Current Bank Statements (3 months minimum) for all accounts held.
De Minimis Aid Declaration Form.
Project Specific Information
Please enclose the following items as appropriate
Planning Permission & ConditionsHeritage Consents and Approvals
Notice of Exemption from PlanningOther Statutory Approvals
Business/Development PlanCurrent eTax Clearance Certificate.
3 Year Financial ProjectionsDetails of co-funding & bridging finance and phased
(cash flow, balance sheet, profit and loss).Payment Requirements
Voluntary Labour ScheduleCertified Valuation of land/property donated
*Evidence of Title*Evidence of Leasehold
VAT Exemption Letter from RevenueCurrent Insurance
Schedule of Elected MembersFarm Family Agreement
Equality of Opportunities PolicyFair Usage Policy/Inclusion Strategy
Terms of Reference (For A&D Child Protection Policy
Or Training Projects)
* Evidence of title or leasehold must be obtained in respect of capital projects involving land, e.g. sites of building construction or renovation, fixtures, traffic ways, etc. Any lease provided must –
  • be signed by lessor and the promoter;
  • be appropriately witnessed;
  • be accompanied with a map identifying the land; and
  • stipulate the term of the lease (must be for a period of at least five years from the date of the final payment to the promoter or for a term not less than the term of the contract, whichever is the longer).
Where the promoter cannot obtain a lease, legal documentation confirming the promoter’s authority to carry out the relevant activities (for at least a five-year period post payment of grant aid), will suffice. This documentation must be witnessed by a solicitor and signed by a person or body recognised as the person or body in charge of the property. This document cannot be used as contribution-in-kind. Any agreement for a period of less than five years will not be eligible for funding.
Please enclose any other relevant documentation that supports your application for grant assistance.