18 Tourism projects will receive €2.3million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme. This is the third announcement of successful projects under the scheme which is part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. The 18 projects, (listed below), include a large amount of funding for accomodation in Longford.
This €2.3 million investment will create new job opportunities and driving sustainable growth which will benefit local communities, businesses and visitors. CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said they will be announcing further projects in the coming weeks; “We will continue to work closely with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and our strategic partners to bring these ambitious projects to life and shape a stronger future for the midlands.”
Breakdown of funding for larger projects in the Midlands
Clynan Mill, Longford – €269,000
Four tourism initiatives in Longford are celebrating a combined €565,000 cash injection as part of the EU Just Transition Fund. In Longford one of the projects, is the restoration of a 19th Century Clynan Mill, also known as Cloghan Mills. The former Corn Mill complex, built around 1850, comprises of a detached five-bay three-storey former corn mill and a detached three-bay two-storey building adjacent to the south, possibly the original corn kiln. The restoration includes the provision of ground floor living accommodation with four bedrooms above over two floors (a total of three floors) and a new detached service building to its rear.
Lough Ree Tours, Westmeath – €300,000
The grant funding has been allocated towards the purchase of a refitted second-hand vessel to enhance the visitor experience by offering guided boat tours on the River Shannon and Lough Ree.
Clonbrinn Farm Accomodation Ltd., Abbeyshrule, Longford – €288,000
The development will include three tourist accommodation units, consisting of Unit 1 contains 2 bedrooms, W/C, storage area and an open plan, living, kitchen dining. Unit 2 contains 2 bedrooms, W/C, storage area and an open plan, living, kitchen dining. Unit 3 contains 3 bedrooms, W/C, storage area and an open plan, living, kitchen dining.
The Sportman Inn, Cullohill Laois – €89,930
The Cullohill pub, now owned by former Laois Offaly Garda Chief Superintendent John Scanlan and his wife Ann Marie, is getting funding under the development of sustainable tourist accommodation category. €89,930 will help with the conversion of an existing residential unit into four-bedroom ensuite accommodation for tourists.
The 18 projects represent the latest successful projects across four regenerative tourism development categories. The four regenerative tourism development categories, include;
- Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences;
- Development of Sustainable/Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation;
- Capital Project Planning and Design;
- Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. said:
“The EU Just Transition Fund schemes are delivering on supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands. I look forward to seeing these projects develop over the next year and to announce further successful projects for the Midlands over the coming weeks under this funding scheme”.
| Location | Grantee Name | Project Description/Category | Funding Amount |
| Roscommon | Arigna Mining Experience Ltd | Category 1 Integrate AR to recreate historical mining scenes and develop a mobile app for personalised Visitor Experiences. | €256,000 |
| Longford | Clonbrin Farm Accommodation Ltd | Category 1 Purchase of bicycles to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors. | € 4,494 |
| Longford | Clonbrin Farm Accommodation Ltd | Category 2 Development of 3 self-catering units in repurposed farm buildings, located in the centre of a working farm. | €284,170 |
| Longford | Clynan Mill Limited | Category 2 Restoration of a derelict 1850’s Corn Mill into a 4-bedroom self-catering accommodation property. | €269,000 |
| Tipperary | Noan Country House B&B | Category 2 Transformation of a stable block in the estate’s yard into two two-storey self-catering lodges. | €248,000 |
| Laois | The Sportsmans Inn | Category 2 Conversion of existing residential unit into a 4-bedroom ensuite accommodation for tourists. | €89,930 |
| Offaly | Kinnitty Development Group | Category 1 Enhancement of the Kinnitty Trailhead Centre with 24/7 accessible showers, secure bike parking, a visitor information area, and a meeting space for groups and community events. | €53,436 |
| Westmeath | Little Buds Natural Wellness | Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience and accessibility through the addition of water activity equipment. | €9,950 |
| Westmeath | Mullingar Bike Hire | Category 1 Purchase of 3 electric bicycles to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors. | €8,130 |
| Tipperary | Eye of Nature | Category 1 Develop a visitor education centre with microscopes and digital displays, allowing visitors to observe microbial life in soil and understand its importance for food systems. | €112,560 |
| Tipperary | Forest Lane Lodges | Category 2 Development of three two-bedroom family lodges. | €300,000 |
| Tipperary | Carrick -on-Suir Development Association | Category 1 Transformation of the Heritage Centre into a contemporary historical and cultural attraction, providing a fully immersive and interactive Visitor Experience. | € 352,647 |
| Laois | Durrow Development Forum | Category 1 Development of digital trails for an immersive, self-guided exploration of the area’s history and biodiversity. | €9,840 |
| Longford | The Farmhouse Bees and Trees | Category 1 Development of infrastructure and purchase of equipment to support organised beekeeping tours. | €10,000 |
| Galway | Greenhills Farm | Category 1 Development of an equipment storage unit to facilitate organised farm tours. | €10,000 |
| Roscommon | Gone Fishing | Category 1 Purchase of new equipment to enhance and improve the existing fishing Visitor Experience. | €9,998 |
| Westmeath | Lough Ree Tours | Category 1 Purchase of refitted second-hand vessel to enhance the Visitor Experience by offering guided boat tours on the River Shannon and Lough Ree. | €300,000 |
| Roscommon | Tulsk Action Group CLG | Category 1 Upgrading of exhibitions and facilities in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre | €19,610 |
| Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs Funding Breakdown | |
| Total Investment Announced Today | €2,347,767 |
| Previous Investment Announced (May 2025) | €2,673,501 |
| Previous Investment Announced (Feb 2025) | €2,900,000 |
| Total Grant Aid Awards to Date | €7,921,268 |
EU Just Transition Fund
The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a new fund created to support the regions and communities in Europe that are most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality and to promote socio-economic transition, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The EU JTF aims to address employment, economic, social and environmental impacts that come with the shift away from carbon-intense activities. The funding programme in Ireland will support the areas in the wider Midlands where communities have been negatively affected by the closure of peat production and peat-fired energy generation facilities.
For full details on the programme and its strategic priorities can be found at EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland and https://emra.ie/eu-jtf/
