Offaly is one of the big winners in the latest round of grant allocations for tourism projects, benefiting from over €1 million in funding. Fáilte Ireland has awarded funding to a further 24 projects, worth over €3.6 million, to support sustainable rural tourism across the Midlands. The funding is part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. To date, over €13.4 million has been allocated to projects in Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Roscommon and parts of Galway, Kildare, and Tipperary.

Offaly

Bare Meadows Projects Ltd received €688,488 for the delivery of a multifunctional activity building with an outdoor viewing deck and telescope, barrel saunas, peat baths, hot tubs, and an educational playground, plus the development of 6 ensuite cabins. They also received an additional €24,000 for professional fees. Thomas Bennett & James Kelly of Bare Meadows Ltd will carry out the transformative works at the pub formerly known as the Lough Boora Inn adjacent to Lough Boora Park.

Up Close & Personal Promotions in Tullamore received €300,000 for the renovation of a 19th-century Old Coach House into modern, sustainable, short-term, self-catering accommodation.

Westmeath

The funded projects are Deravarra Farm Lake Lodges, which was awarded €300,000 for the development of two self-catering lakefront units to enhance rural accommodation options.

The Greville Arms Hotel grant is €268,634 to allow for the installation of a lift to enhance hotel accessibility and improve visitor inclusivity.

Fore Distillery Ltd received €51,320 for the enhanced visitor experience with interpretation panels, interactive displays, and upgraded car park with accessible spaces.

The Hightown Forest Camp and Farm allocation of €9,770 will go toward the development of infrastructure and purchase of equipment to facilitate guided tours and workshops.

Laois

3 Laois projects secured funding of €384,256 with the largest award going to Rectory Park, who received €300,000 towards the “development of two two-bedroom universally accessible cottages with sensory rooms.”  

Ballykilcavan Brewing was awarded €18,256 towards the “conversion of storage space into a commercial kitchen for onsite food service and installing smart TVs with sound system in the visitor centre.” 

The third award of €66,000 went to Brielle House to “enhance visitor experience with improved accessibility through a resurfaced car park, accessible kitchen, bedroom upgrades, and AV equipment.“

Longford

Shannogue Stables – Therapeutic Riding Centre was awarded €247,471. This is for the development of an accessible indoor arena with adaptive equipment to enhance accessibility.

Studio Arts and Crafts Limited in Ardagh Village, Longford, was awarded €40,000 for the development of a craft studio to host workshops, celebrating traditional craft skills.

Further Announcements in September

Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Roscommon are the main beneficiaries of this round of funding.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the grants will bolster the county’s tourism offering: “These projects – from lake lodges and eco-camping to hotel upgrades and visitor experience enhancements – will help boost our tourism sector and bring more visitors to the county,” he said.

Minister Burke said more grants will be announced later this year: “This investment will support local jobs, increase footfall, and strengthen Westmeath’s position as a unique rural destination.

“There is still more to come; I look forward to announcing another round of funding in September and will continue to work to ensure Westmeath tourism businesses are supported every step of the way.”

For a more detailed look at the funding, see here