Dunmore East Adventure Centre Ltd, a renowned provider of marine-based activities, successfully secured funding in 2023 under the Rural Development LEADER Programme 2014 – 2023. This case study explores how the funding, awarded to support local tourism initiatives, has empowered the centre to diversify its offerings and sustain employment during the off-season.
Funding
The funding was obtained under Local Objective 1: Local Tourism Initiative SA1.1, which emphasises activity tourism. Two significant sections of the Transitional Guidelines were pivotal in the application’s success:
- Section 2: Supporting job creation, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and innovation in a post-COVID-19 and/or post-Brexit environment.
- Section 3: Providing support to rural businesses seeking to reach new markets, expand, innovate, and/or diversify in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or Brexit.
Project Implementation
With the awarded funding, Dunmore East Adventure Centre Ltd. developed a high ropes course to complement their established marine-based offerings. This initiative included comprehensive training by the supplier and the acquisition of all relevant safety equipment, such as harnesses and belay devices.
Impact and Outcomes
The introduction of the high ropes course has provided several significant benefits:
- Enhanced Winter Operations: The land-based activity has proven invaluable during the winter months when marine activities are hindered by rough sea conditions.
- Employment Sustenance: The new offering has helped sustain employment during the off-season, ensuring a stable income for the centre’s staff.
- Diversification and Innovation: The high ropes course represents a strategic diversification of the centre’s activities, showcasing their commitment to innovation and adaptability in a challenging environment.
Conclusion
Dunmore East Adventure Centre Ltd. serves as a prime example of how targeted funding and strategic development can bolster local tourism, sustain employment, and drive innovation. The successful implementation of the high ropes course underscores the centre’s resilience and forward-thinking approach in navigating post-COVID-19 and post-Brexit challenges.
Find out more about Dunmore East Adverture Centre Ropes Course
