Mid-Shannon Scheme

Finance Act 2007 (Section 29) introduced a new tax-based incentive scheme for tourism facilities in the mid-Shannon area. The scheme is aimed at encouraging the development of new tourism infrastructure and the refurbishment of existing tourism infrastructure in the area.

Projects must be approved and certified by a special board to be established for the purposes of the scheme. Approval and certification will be carried out in accordance with guidelines which have yet to be drawn up. Also, the type and nature of the tourism infrastructure to qualify under the scheme will be set out in these guidelines. The appointment of the board and the drawing up of the guidelines are the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in consultation with the Minister for Finance.

The necessary Ministerial order for the commencement of the scheme will not be made until the guidelines have been drawn up and issued and the certification board has been established. E.U. Commission approval is also required under its state aid rules. Revenue will publish further information when the scheme is approved and the guidelines have been drawn up and issued.