- 17 new tourism projects were awarded over €5.5 million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
- Almost €60 million invested in this scheme to date for tourism projects across the midlands
A further 17 projects, worth over €5.5 million, have been awarded funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. This latest grant approval brings the total funding announced for the tourism sector to almost €60 million across the scheme. Part of the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, marks the fifth announcement of successful projects under both the Private and Community SME scheme and the Local Authority and State Agency schemes.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. said:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of over €5.5million in funding for 17 new tourism projects through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These projects will play a vital role in supporting sustainable economic development and job creation across the Midlands, while enhancing the region’s appeal to visitors from home and abroad.
The projects announced today highlight the significant opportunities that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can bring to the Midlands – empowering communities, strengthening local economies, and delivering long-term benefits for tourism and enterprise.“
CEO at Fáilte Ireland, Caroline Bocquel said:
“These projects will deliver innovative visitor experiences and low-carbon accommodation across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East, helping to sustain local communities and create new opportunities for employment.
The projects announced, highlight the significant opportunities that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can bring to the Midlands – supporting economic resilience and competitiveness, empowering local businesses, and enhancing the region’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.”
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY SMES
Projects span 3 regenerative tourism development categories, including the development or enhancement of sustainable visitor experiences, development of sustainable/low-carbon tourist accommodation, and accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
Descriptions of all categories under this scheme are available here
| Laois | Preston House | Category 2 Development of 3 new luxury, wellness-themed, sustainable accommodation units located in the wooded gardens behind Preston House. | €274,500 |
| Laois | The Sportsman’s Inn | Category 5 Accessibility enhancements through the upgrade of four ensuite bedrooms and development of accessible ensuite bathrooms, complementing an accessible gastropub on the ground floor. | €42,840 |
| Laois | The Sportsman’s Inn | Category 5 Accessibility enhancements in the gastropub through the development of accessible bathrooms and changing facilities, accessible routes and parking, accessible signage, hearing aid amplifiers, and staff training. | €157,704 |
Offaly
| Offaly | Ballycommon Bakehouse | Category 5 Accessibility enhancements at Ballycommon Bake House on the Grand Canal and Kilbeggan Greenways, which includes a wheelchair-accessible toilet block. | €45,560 |
| Offaly | Bellfield House and Gardens | Category 1 Accessibility and visitor experience enhancements to existing visitor attractions and surrounding grounds. This includes accessible toilets, ramps, wayfinding signage, accessible walking trails, and renovation of existing buildings to house a reception, visitor centre, gift shop, café, and & workshop space. | €288,000 |
| Offaly | J Hest Ltd. | Category 2 Delivery of 4 eco-friendly, self-drive electric boats for rental from Shannonbridge | €80,000 |
| Offaly | Mid Ireland Adventure | Category 1 Purchase of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to provide a unique safari experience on the River Shannon at Banagher Marina, Offaly. | €200,000 |
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND STATE AGENCIES
| Location | Grantee Name | Project Description/Category | Funding Amount |
| Laois | Laois County Council | Category 1 Feasibility study to transform Donaghmore Workhouse into a premier visitor attraction. | €87,000 |
| Offaly | Offaly County Council | Category 1 Feasibility study to transform Derryounce into a regenerative tourism hub. | €150,000 |
