To date, almost €60 million has been announced under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and Fáilte Ireland have announced that 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, this marks the fifth announcement of successful projects under both the Private and Community SME scheme, and the Local Authority and State Agency schemes.
13 of the projects [listed below] represent the final private and community SMEs to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, receiving almost €4.5 million in grant-aid to deliver projects across three regenerative tourism development categories [see notes to editor*].
In addition, over €1 million has been awarded to four projects under the Local Authority and State Agency schemes [listed below]. These schemes support the development of improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.
To date, almost €60 million has been announced under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. This includes €16million in investment grant-aid to 85 private and community SME projects, and €26million allocated under the Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes. A further €9.4million was awarded to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) to develop and begin delivery on a network of universally accessible trails across suitable parts of its landbank within the EU JTF territory. Further investment under this scheme is expected to be announced over the coming months.
The scheme also supports 82 businesses participating in the Tourism Learning Network Programme, 66 participants in the Digital Transformation Programme, and 8 Tourism Activators – one in each county across the territory.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. said:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of over €5.5 million 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.
With almost €60 million now awarded under the scheme, this is a clear demonstration of Government and EU commitment to building a vibrant, resilient future for the region. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life over the next year.”
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. said:
“I am thrilled to announce the latest batch of projects under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, a crucial element of Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Programme. These projects are a vital step in unlocking the sustainable tourism potential of the region, in addition to providing economic and employment benefits to local communities. I look forward to seeing the transition of the Midlands to a world-class regenerative tourism destination through these innovative projects.”
CEO at Fáilte Ireland, Caroline Bocquel said:
“The EU Just Transition Fund continues to drive sustainable tourism development across the midlands, with €5.5 million in funding announced for a further 17 projects under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. 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 today 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.
With this latest round of investment, the total funding awarded under the scheme now comes to almost €60 million – a significant milestone that reflects the impact this regenerative tourism scheme is making across the midlands.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with local tourism businesses, communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), Government, and our strategic partners to deliver transformative projects that will shape a vibrant and sustainable future across the region.”
A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said:
“EMRA welcomes Fáilte Ireland’s announcement of funding for 17 additional tourism projects under its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These grants will support local communities and businesses, delivering real value and laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future across the region. After our recent Just Transition Fest in Westmeath, it’s fantastic to see the regenerative tourism scheme’s transformative impact already taking shape in the Midlands. The latest projects announced under this scheme join an ever-expanding list of EU Just Transition Fund-supported initiatives across the Midlands that are enabling growth and diversification of opportunities.”
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY SMES
Projects span three 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.
Location Grantee Name Project Description/Category Funding Amount Galway Brackloon Castle Category 1 Development of building beside the castle to include an archive room and toilet facilities. €176,000 Galway Brackloon Castle Category 2 Development of a sustainable self-catering unit beside castle with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area with additional temporary bed spaces, and a kitchen. €233,000 Kildare Zipit Donadea Ltd T/A Zipit Forest Adventures Ltd Category 1 Development of an outdoor activity centre featuring a high ropes course, zipline, and treetop nets for ages 5+, with a visitor reception cabin and spectator facilities.
€1,200,000 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 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 attraction 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 four eco-friendly, self-drive electric boats for rental from Shannonbridge jetty. €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, Co Offaly. €200,000 Roscommon Ballynure Cottage Category 2 Delivery of two double bedrooms in a restored and extended mid-19th Century famine-era cottage, creating a blend of modern and traditional living spaces. €249,000 Roscommon Irish Heritage Trust Category 1 Development of outdoor areas and trails to create an engaging and family friendly visitor experience at Strokestown Park. €1,200,000 Tipperary The Carraig Hotel Category 5 Accessibility enhancements including installation of a lift, reconstruction of nine ensuite rooms, upgrades to the lobby, alarm system, and accessible toilet. €300,000
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND STATE AGENCIES
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.
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 Multiple (Kildare and Offaly) Waterways Ireland Category 3 Enhancement of the Visitor Experience along the Grand Canal Greenway through the provision of visitor interpretation and animation interventions. €762,191 Offaly Offaly County Council Category 1 Feasibility study to transform Derryounce into a Regenerative Tourism Hub. €150,000 Roscommon Roscommon County council Category 1 Feasibility study to develop a preliminary concept design for Termonbarry Riverside Park. €95,000
