Tax relief has been offered on works to improve tourism facilities in the Shannon area.

The scheme will stretch to construction and refurbishments projects undertaken from O'Briensbridge in Co Clare to Lough Ree, Co Roscommon.

A considerable area of west Co Offaly is also included.

First launched in June 2008, there have been a number of approvals to date.

A spokesman for the scheme said: "It provides a unique opportunity for tourism enterprises in West Offaly to use tax relief to help finance the construction or refurbishment of their facilities and also for passive investors who may wish to avail of the relief for offset against rental and other income."

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The types of qualifying tourism facilities include education tourism facilities; visitor attractions/centres; cultural facilities; equestrian facilities; outdoor activity centres; and certain restaurants and cafés.

The final deadline for applications to the scheme is 31 May 2010.

Potential applicants are advised to partake in pre-planning consultations with Offaly County Council as soon as possible to ensure the necessary planning application can be prepared in time.

(PR/KMcA)