Coronavirus COVID-19Information, Correspondence, Publications, Reactions etc. regarding COVID-19
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Donal Kennedy to all ICSA Members and Delegates re. help to highlight our plight
Dear Members/Delegates,
I am taking this opportunity to update you regarding our position to date on seeking funding for members of the Irish Charter Skippers Association. Since lockdown April 2020 we have been emailing Ministers, TDs, County Councillors and Fáilte Ireland to get answers to our question: What funding is available for charter skippers?
Up until now we have been getting the same answers over and over. There is no realistic funding available to us. These communications are up on our website. Recently we received an email from Minister Martin of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media: ”At the outset, I should clarify that my Department has no role in setting of eligibility criteria for capital schemes administered by Fáilte Ireland. These are operational matters for the Tourism Agency.”
I totally disagree with this. The government has the power. What we are criticizing is not a policy failure, but an absence of policy and the abandonment of Charter Skippers in Ireland. Another quote from Minister Martin: “One of the eligibility criteria for the scheme is a minimum annual turnover of €50,000. The turnover threshold is based on the likelihood that, for businesses with a turnover of less than €50,000, non-payroll fixed costs will be sufficiently low to enable the owners furlough the business by availing of other state aids (namely income supports such as Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS)), thereby enabling these businesses to re-emerge as public health restrictions ease.”
We are unable to make enough income to cover our operating costs, not to mention make a living, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Our operating costs can range anything between €8,500 and €10,000. It is obvious that the Government does not understand this or, as I believe, they do and are not prepared to do anything about it, only to put barriers in front of us.
I am totally disappointed with Fáilte Ireland. They have put out many communications stating the importance of tourism in Ireland and how they (Fáilte Ireland) is offering support to the tourism industry in Ireland.
They offer support for Golf Clubs, etc. but they have not offered any credible support for the Charter Skippers. We are supposed to be an invaluable resource and a vital part of the Coastal Tourism Sector where recreational angling in Ireland is worth €850 million annually.
Our Delegates have been active, some in the background, and I would like to thank Eamonn Hayes our Eastern Delegate, and Luke Aston, Shannon Region Delegate, for their active input. I would also like to mention Verona Murphy Independent TD Wexford along with Paul Kehoe FG TD for their help.
I would also draw your attention to Councillor Jim Codd’s piece on his Facebook page highlighting our plight and ask you to comment on it.
Enough of the paper exercises for Government and especially from Fáilte Ireland, a question has to be asked: Is Fáilte Ireland going to stand by and see the elimination of our charter boat business?
Our mantra since our foundation in 2008 has been UNITY AND A STRONG VOICE. I am now calling on you to help to highlight our plight by way of emails to Ministers in your area, emails to TDs, County Councillors, local papers, B&Bs, Hotels and don’t forget anglers and angling clubs who avail of our licensed boats.
Mark my words: Many of the Charter Boat Fleet will go out of business if we do not get funding by way of a grant.
Keep Safe.
Yours Sincerely,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman I.C.S.A.
21st March 2021
Dear Members/Delegates,
I am taking this opportunity to update you regarding our position to date on seeking funding for members of the Irish Charter Skippers Association. Since lockdown April 2020 we have been emailing Ministers, TDs, County Councillors and Fáilte Ireland to get answers to our question: What funding is available for charter skippers?
Up until now we have been getting the same answers over and over. There is no realistic funding available to us. These communications are up on our website. Recently we received an email from Minister Martin of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media: ”At the outset, I should clarify that my Department has no role in setting of eligibility criteria for capital schemes administered by Fáilte Ireland. These are operational matters for the Tourism Agency.”
I totally disagree with this. The government has the power. What we are criticizing is not a policy failure, but an absence of policy and the abandonment of Charter Skippers in Ireland. Another quote from Minister Martin: “One of the eligibility criteria for the scheme is a minimum annual turnover of €50,000. The turnover threshold is based on the likelihood that, for businesses with a turnover of less than €50,000, non-payroll fixed costs will be sufficiently low to enable the owners furlough the business by availing of other state aids (namely income supports such as Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS)), thereby enabling these businesses to re-emerge as public health restrictions ease.”
We are unable to make enough income to cover our operating costs, not to mention make a living, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Our operating costs can range anything between €8,500 and €10,000. It is obvious that the Government does not understand this or, as I believe, they do and are not prepared to do anything about it, only to put barriers in front of us.
I am totally disappointed with Fáilte Ireland. They have put out many communications stating the importance of tourism in Ireland and how they (Fáilte Ireland) is offering support to the tourism industry in Ireland.
They offer support for Golf Clubs, etc. but they have not offered any credible support for the Charter Skippers. We are supposed to be an invaluable resource and a vital part of the Coastal Tourism Sector where recreational angling in Ireland is worth €850 million annually.
Our Delegates have been active, some in the background, and I would like to thank Eamonn Hayes our Eastern Delegate, and Luke Aston, Shannon Region Delegate, for their active input. I would also like to mention Verona Murphy Independent TD Wexford along with Paul Kehoe FG TD for their help.
I would also draw your attention to Councillor Jim Codd’s piece on his Facebook page highlighting our plight and ask you to comment on it.
Enough of the paper exercises for Government and especially from Fáilte Ireland, a question has to be asked: Is Fáilte Ireland going to stand by and see the elimination of our charter boat business?
Our mantra since our foundation in 2008 has been UNITY AND A STRONG VOICE. I am now calling on you to help to highlight our plight by way of emails to Ministers in your area, emails to TDs, County Councillors, local papers, B&Bs, Hotels and don’t forget anglers and angling clubs who avail of our licensed boats.
Mark my words: Many of the Charter Boat Fleet will go out of business if we do not get funding by way of a grant.
Keep Safe.
Yours Sincerely,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman I.C.S.A.
21st March 2021
Press Release sent to TD Verona Murphy for onward transmission
8th March 2021
8th March 2021
Charter Boat Plight
We have contacted the following TDs and Ministers so far in 2021 and intend to highlight our plight to TDs in all coastal areas.
Click HERE for the blog post on our page for more information
We have contacted the following TDs and Ministers so far in 2021 and intend to highlight our plight to TDs in all coastal areas.
Click HERE for the blog post on our page for more information
COVID-19 Adaptation Fund
Eligible businesses can apply for adaptation grants from now until 8 October 2020.
Please check all details on the Fáilte Ireland website
https://www.failteireland.ie/COVID-19-adaptation-fund.aspx
Eligible businesses can apply for adaptation grants from now until 8 October 2020.
Please check all details on the Fáilte Ireland website
https://www.failteireland.ie/COVID-19-adaptation-fund.aspx
Email from Kerry County Council 18th April 2020
COVID 19 Impact on Kerry Tourism
The Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and Kerry County Council have commissioned a survey to quantify the impact of the Covid 19 crisis on Kerry’s tourism industry.
Please see below link to this short survey which we would like you to take a few minutes to complete and return by lunchtime this Tuesday, 21st April 2020. Your cooperation in completing the survey would be very much appreciated as the results will reinforce our case for Government support for the tourism industry in Kerry.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3TLTD9R
(if you are experiencing problems opening the link directly, please copy and paste into your browser)
Please ignore this email if the survey has already been sent to you by the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation.
Míle buíochas,
Kind Regards
Michelle Culloo
An Roinn Turasoireachta
Tourism Unit
Kerry County Council
066 7183642
COVID 19 Impact on Kerry Tourism
The Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and Kerry County Council have commissioned a survey to quantify the impact of the Covid 19 crisis on Kerry’s tourism industry.
Please see below link to this short survey which we would like you to take a few minutes to complete and return by lunchtime this Tuesday, 21st April 2020. Your cooperation in completing the survey would be very much appreciated as the results will reinforce our case for Government support for the tourism industry in Kerry.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3TLTD9R
(if you are experiencing problems opening the link directly, please copy and paste into your browser)
Please ignore this email if the survey has already been sent to you by the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation.
Míle buíochas,
Kind Regards
Michelle Culloo
An Roinn Turasoireachta
Tourism Unit
Kerry County Council
066 7183642
Sent to the Minister Donohoe, Minister Canney and Minister Bruton on 07/04/2020
(up until today 16th April 2020 no response received yet)
Re. Assistance for Irish Charter Boat operators during Covid 19 shutdown
Dear Minister,
I am writing to you as Chairman of the Irish Charter Skippers Association, which represents the majority of Licensed Charter Boat operators on the Irish Coast. We bring tourists from all over Ireland and Overseas to our area of the coast, and take them out on Sea Angling, Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sightseeing etc. on our boats.
As such, we are an invaluable part of the Coastal Tourism sector, bringing visitors and business opportunities to often remote and marginalised areas of the Coast.
The current shutdown has left us in a quandary. We cannot operate our businesses to produce the income needed to cover our operational expenses, which are heaviest now, at the start of the season. While the Government income support of €350 helps with Skippers day to day living expenses, our businesses are in danger of foundering on the operational costs, much of which have already been expended, such as on equipment renewal, hull preparation, MSO Survey, business insurance, launch fees and Marina berthage etc. There seems little likelihood of recouping these costs in what remains of the Tourist Season.
As a direct result of the shutdown, many Skippers are becoming crippled with debt, and face the prospect of going out of business.
We request a scheme be provided to assist Skippers in covering their business expenses, to help keep them in operation, and able to recommence operations, as soon as normality returns.
What is needed is either a Grant, or Loan Scheme at 0% (or both) , of up to €25,000 per vessel, to cover our operational costs for this year.
Lacking this assistance, the loss of so many Coastal businesses will otherwise be keenly felt, and will hinder the Coastal Areas economic recovery.
Yours faithfully,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association
Contact No. 086-8174509
(up until today 16th April 2020 no response received yet)
Re. Assistance for Irish Charter Boat operators during Covid 19 shutdown
Dear Minister,
I am writing to you as Chairman of the Irish Charter Skippers Association, which represents the majority of Licensed Charter Boat operators on the Irish Coast. We bring tourists from all over Ireland and Overseas to our area of the coast, and take them out on Sea Angling, Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sightseeing etc. on our boats.
As such, we are an invaluable part of the Coastal Tourism sector, bringing visitors and business opportunities to often remote and marginalised areas of the Coast.
The current shutdown has left us in a quandary. We cannot operate our businesses to produce the income needed to cover our operational expenses, which are heaviest now, at the start of the season. While the Government income support of €350 helps with Skippers day to day living expenses, our businesses are in danger of foundering on the operational costs, much of which have already been expended, such as on equipment renewal, hull preparation, MSO Survey, business insurance, launch fees and Marina berthage etc. There seems little likelihood of recouping these costs in what remains of the Tourist Season.
As a direct result of the shutdown, many Skippers are becoming crippled with debt, and face the prospect of going out of business.
We request a scheme be provided to assist Skippers in covering their business expenses, to help keep them in operation, and able to recommence operations, as soon as normality returns.
What is needed is either a Grant, or Loan Scheme at 0% (or both) , of up to €25,000 per vessel, to cover our operational costs for this year.
Lacking this assistance, the loss of so many Coastal businesses will otherwise be keenly felt, and will hinder the Coastal Areas economic recovery.
Yours faithfully,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association
Contact No. 086-8174509
Links to websites which might provide some helpful information:
Fáilte Ireland
https://www.failteireland.ie/Utility/Covid-19.aspx
ITIC Irish Tourism Industrie Confederation
https://www.itic.ie/news/covid-19/
BIM COVID-19 Business Supports page
http://www.bim.ie/covid-19/
Revenue - Seafarers' Allowance and Fisher Tax Credit
https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/income-and-employment/seafarers-allowance-fisher-tax-credit/fisher-tax-credit.aspx
Revenue - Mineral Oil Tax e-Repayment Claims Facility User Guide
https://www.revenue.ie/en/online-services/support/documents/help-guides/mineral-oil/e-repayment-claims-facility-user-guide.pdf
Fáilte Ireland
https://www.failteireland.ie/Utility/Covid-19.aspx
ITIC Irish Tourism Industrie Confederation
https://www.itic.ie/news/covid-19/
BIM COVID-19 Business Supports page
http://www.bim.ie/covid-19/
Revenue - Seafarers' Allowance and Fisher Tax Credit
https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/income-and-employment/seafarers-allowance-fisher-tax-credit/fisher-tax-credit.aspx
Revenue - Mineral Oil Tax e-Repayment Claims Facility User Guide
https://www.revenue.ie/en/online-services/support/documents/help-guides/mineral-oil/e-repayment-claims-facility-user-guide.pdf
Effect of COVID-19 rules
To All Charter Skippers :
The effect of the current health crisis on Charter Skippers is severe and ongoing, leading to the complete cessation of all our operations, until at least the 19th of April, when it will be reviewed. It could well last much longer than that, ruining the season for us all.
It will be difficult to earn sufficient to cover 2020 operating costs, let alone generate an income, in what will remain of the Summer Season.
The sole good news in this matter is that it would seem that Charter Skippers (self-employed) Operations having been shut down by the Government Regulations (as non essential, tourist/recreational, no groups larger than 4) business, we qualify for the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €350 per week.
When applying for this payment, please have your Charter Skippers Licence available, and quote your Licence number, along with your RSI number, to establish your entitlement.
On an ongoing basis, the ICSA committee will continue to push for any and all assistance for Charter Skippers, who are facing economic disaster this year. Please follow our website for further details, as this crisis develops.
Good Luck and good health to you all for 2020.
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association
26th March 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/
To All Charter Skippers :
The effect of the current health crisis on Charter Skippers is severe and ongoing, leading to the complete cessation of all our operations, until at least the 19th of April, when it will be reviewed. It could well last much longer than that, ruining the season for us all.
It will be difficult to earn sufficient to cover 2020 operating costs, let alone generate an income, in what will remain of the Summer Season.
The sole good news in this matter is that it would seem that Charter Skippers (self-employed) Operations having been shut down by the Government Regulations (as non essential, tourist/recreational, no groups larger than 4) business, we qualify for the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €350 per week.
When applying for this payment, please have your Charter Skippers Licence available, and quote your Licence number, along with your RSI number, to establish your entitlement.
On an ongoing basis, the ICSA committee will continue to push for any and all assistance for Charter Skippers, who are facing economic disaster this year. Please follow our website for further details, as this crisis develops.
Good Luck and good health to you all for 2020.
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association
26th March 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/
Government announces new COVID-19 Income Support Scheme
24.03.2020
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/a6d8fa-government-announced-new-covid-19-income-support-scheme/
24.03.2020
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/a6d8fa-government-announced-new-covid-19-income-support-scheme/
Enquiry emailed to the HPSC Health Protection Surveillance Centre on 24th March 2020
Dear Sir/Madam
I am sending you this email seeking advise with regard to Sea angling in Ireland. I am Chairman of the Irish Charter Skippers Association and our members from all around the coast of Ireland are very concerned about the Covid 19 issue.
Our charter boats leave our Harbours and ports taking out people for varying activities at sea. These activities include Sea Angling, Whale watching, Dolphin watching and many more. Our members provide a vital service to tourism in Ireland. Our members are very dedicated to providing this service and its their business with huge investments in boats and safety equipment to provide a safe environment for their customers.
This is an important time because the season has started and our members being responsible operators and are concerned about the loss of business/revenue which would be a big blow to them and tourism in Ireland as a whole but they want to do their bit to help stop the spread of Covid 19. Yet our members cannot live on fresh air they have to provide for their families too.
What guide lines do we implement?
Do we cancel bookings until further notice?
Can we claim assistance?
I am aware that your office a very busy but I would ask that this email be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Kind Regards,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman ICSA
contact no. 0868174509
as soon as we receive a reply we will post it here
(up until today 16th April 2020 no response received yet)
Dear Sir/Madam
I am sending you this email seeking advise with regard to Sea angling in Ireland. I am Chairman of the Irish Charter Skippers Association and our members from all around the coast of Ireland are very concerned about the Covid 19 issue.
Our charter boats leave our Harbours and ports taking out people for varying activities at sea. These activities include Sea Angling, Whale watching, Dolphin watching and many more. Our members provide a vital service to tourism in Ireland. Our members are very dedicated to providing this service and its their business with huge investments in boats and safety equipment to provide a safe environment for their customers.
This is an important time because the season has started and our members being responsible operators and are concerned about the loss of business/revenue which would be a big blow to them and tourism in Ireland as a whole but they want to do their bit to help stop the spread of Covid 19. Yet our members cannot live on fresh air they have to provide for their families too.
What guide lines do we implement?
Do we cancel bookings until further notice?
Can we claim assistance?
I am aware that your office a very busy but I would ask that this email be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Kind Regards,
Donal Kennedy
Chairman ICSA
contact no. 0868174509
as soon as we receive a reply we will post it here
(up until today 16th April 2020 no response received yet)
Publications by the Irish Government
For details visit the following website (Links open new windows)
COVID-19 Information for Employers and Employees
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/99104a-covid-19-coronavirus/
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/
For details visit the following website (Links open new windows)
COVID-19 Information for Employers and Employees
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/99104a-covid-19-coronavirus/
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/