State aid: Commission approves €55 million Irish ‘umbrella’ scheme to support companies active in tourism or in directly related sectors in context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €55 million Irish ‘umbrella’ scheme to support companies active in tourism or in directly related sectors in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, measures can be adopted to support companies active in tourism or in directly related sectors that suffer from a reduction in turnover or profit due to the coronavirus outbreak and the related measures necessary to limit the spread of the virus. The objective of the measure is to help beneficiaries address the sudden liquidity shortage they are facing, thus helping them to continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Irish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per company; and (ii) the aid will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions of the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.61236 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.