Our Commitment to State Aid Compliance

As a statutory agency, Fáilte Ireland must ensure that all funding we provide complies fully with EU State aid rules. These rules apply across all Member States, and we meet them in every grant we administer.

Purpose of This Handbook

The State Aid Handbook gives applicants a clear, accessible overview of:

• The key principles of State aid law.
• The exemptions that may apply depending on each scheme.
• What applicants need to understand before applying.

Fáilte Ireland will always point applicants to the sections most relevant to their project.

Responsibilities

Fáilte Ireland

As a statutory body entrusted with the administration and disbursement of public funds in support of tourism‑related initiatives, Fáilte Ireland must ensure that all of its activities are conducted in full compliance with the applicable State aid regulatory framework.

The information on this page concerning State aid is intended to provide prospective applicants for Fáilte Ireland funding with guidance on the core principles of State aid law, together with an outline of the specific exemptions that may be relevant to individual projects, depending on the nature, structure, and objectives of the particular funding scheme. For each scheme/support, Fáilte Ireland will identify and draw attention to the relevant sections of the State Aid Handbook that are specifically applicable to that scheme.

Applicants

Applicants must understand the conditions of the funding scheme and follow them throughout the process. Unlawful aid may be subject to recovery, so compliance protects both you and the wider tourism sector.

Using This Handbook

This Handbook is a guide, not a legal or regulatory substitute.
Users should:

• Refer to primary legislation and official guidance
• Seek independent legal advice where needed

Use of the Handbook is at the user’s own risk, and Fáilte Ireland accepts no liability for loss or damage arising from reliance on its contents.

For any queries please contact customersupport@failteireland.ie or call 0818 888800.