Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme 2024

The Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme is a new initiative designed to enhance interpretive visitor experiences at existing attractions across the island of Ireland. This scheme is a collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

As part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project, the scheme aims to create seamless travel and unforgettable experiences between two iconic routes: the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.

By providing funding to improve existing attractions in these areas, the scheme will make them more engaging and accessible to everyone. This will attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and boost local economies.

Funding

The maximum investment grant value available is €300,000 in Ireland, or £250,000 in Northern Ireland for any one project under this scheme.  The minimum investment grant value is €50,000 in Ireland and £40,000 for Northern Ireland.  Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will assess Expression of Interest Forms to determine the applicant’s and the proposed project’s eligibility in accordance with the Scheme’s qualifying criteria.

Who can apply?

Existing operating visitor attractions located within the eligible target areas can apply: 

In Ireland: Counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and parts of Leitrim (please refer to Scheme Guidelines for further details on eligible target areas).

In Northern Ireland: The Local Authority areas of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council along the Causeway Coastal Route.

The first stage of this process involves two-steps.  Step 1 requires completion of a mandatory self-assessment eligibility checklist, see below. Upon successful completion of the self-assessment eligibility checklist, applicants will then be permitted to proceed to Step 2, which requires completion and submission of a full Expression of Interest Form by 3pm on Friday 30th August 2024.

Scheme Priorities 

• Greatly improved interpretation and storytelling

• Immersive experiences

• Product innovation

• Revealing hidden gems

• Foreign language provision

• Increase dwell time

• Increase visitor expenditure

FAQ’s 

If you have any questions about the Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme our Frequently Asked Questions may have the answers. To assist you on making your application or if you have any queries please read our FAQs. 

Expressions of Interest for this scheme closed on Friday 30th August.