€3.6 million awarded to 24 New Tourism Projects in Midlands Under EU Just Transition Fund Private and Community SME Scheme

 

• A further 24 projects announced have received over €3.6 million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.

 

Today, Fáilte Ireland has announced that a further 24 projects, worth over €3.6 million, have been awarded funding under its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.

Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this is the third announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme.

The 24 projects [listed below] represent the latest successful grantees to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, receiving over €3.6 million in grant-aid. . The final successful projects are expected to be announced under this scheme in September this year.

Projects span four regenerative tourism development categories, including the Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences; Development of Sustainable/Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation; Capital Project Planning and Design; and Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. said:
“This is another positive step towards sustainable tourism development in the midlands, and it is encouraging to see Government and EU investment in 24 more projects through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. By investing in the development of the tourism offering in these counties, we will deliver long-term sustainable economic development and jobs in communities and businesses across the midlands for many years to come. I look forward to seeing these projects delivered over the next year and announcing the final projects under the programme in the coming weeks.” 

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. said:
“The announcement of these innovative and diverse projects signifies a further step in transforming the Midlands into a world-class sustainable tourism destination. This funding will enable these projects to showcase the unique cultural and natural assets of the region, while supporting economic development in local communities. The development and expansion of these projects will ensure that the Midlands can provide memorable and vibrant tourism experiences for years to come. Local co-operation is at the heart of the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, and I look forward to the benefits that this diverse range of projects will bring to the region – both for those living there and for visitors.”

CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said:
“Today’s announcement of 24 projects highlights the continued momentum and positive impact of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund. This €3.6 million investment will further strengthen the tourism offering across Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, supporting sustainable development and creating meaningful benefits for local communities, businesses, and visitors alike. As we near the conclusion of the evaluation process, we look forward to sharing details of the final group of approved projects after the summer. Our collaboration with local stakeholders, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and strategic partners remains key to delivering these transformative initiatives and building a vibrant economic future for the midlands.”

A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon:

“EMRA is delighted to see a further 24 projects being successful in getting funding from the EU Just Transition Fund today. As we see these new projects come to life, it is clear that investing in local and rural initiatives delivers real value for communities across the midlands. By supporting local people, we are laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future. These grants are not just an investment in tourism – they are an investment in the resilience and wellbeing of our towns and villages, ensuring that everyone benefits from new opportunities and shared prosperity.”

 

PROJECT DETAILS

Descriptions of all categories available here.

Location	Grantee Name	Project Description/Category	Funding Amount
Galway	Ahascragh Distillery	Category 1 Improvements to the visitor centre including energy upgrades, a new retail space and landscaping.	€40,000
Kildare	Boattrips.ie	Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience with river and canal tours on two open boats departing from Athy.	€48,000
Kildare	Burtown House and Gardens	Category 2 Development of 4 off-grid eco cabins.	€300,000
Laois	Ballykilcavan Brewing	Category 1 Conversion of storage space into a commercial kitchen for onsite food service and installing smart TVs with sound system in the visitor centre.	€18,256
Laois	Rectory Park	Category 2 Development of 2 two-bedroom universally accessible cottages with sensory rooms.	€300,000
Laois	Brielle House	Category 5 Enhance visitor experience with improved accessibility through a resurfaced car park, accessible kitchen, bedroom upgrades, and AV equipment.	€66,000
Longford	Heritage Eco Pods Granard	Category 2 Development of 4 eco-friendly glamping pods, including one that is fully accessible.	€282,576
Longford	Shannogue Stables	Category 5 Development of an accessible indoor arena with adaptive equipment to enhance accessibility.	€247,471
Longford	Studio Arts and Crafts Limited	Category 1 Development of a craft studio to host workshops, celebrating traditional craft skills.	€40,000
Longford	Tabitha and Norah	Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience by offering art classes for locals and tourists, focusing on peatlands, bog flowers, and the midlands.	€1,118
Offaly	Bare Meadows Projects Ltd.	Category 1 Delivery of multifunctional activity building with an outdoor viewing deck and telescope, barrel saunas, peat baths, hot tubs, and an educational playground.	€388,488
Offaly	Bare Meadows Projects Ltd.	Category 3 Quantity Surveyor and Engineer professional fees relating to the grantees Category 1 project (above).	€24,000
Offaly	Bare Meadows Projects Ltd.	Category 2 Development of 6 ensuite cabins.	€300,000
Offaly	Tullamore Tidy Towns	Category 1 Installation of new interpretative signage.	€1,990
Offaly	Up Close and Personal Promotions	Category 2 Renovation of a 19th-century Old Coach House into modern, sustainable short-term self-catering accommodation.	€300,000
Roscommon	Abbey Hotel	Category 5 Conversion of an existing bedroom and adjoining room into an accessible bedroom and update all toilets in wheelchair-accessible rooms.	€53,480
Roscommon	Clonalis House	Category 1 Installation of interpretative signage.	€10,000
Roscommon	Gleesons Townhouse and Restaurant	Category 5 Addition of accessible bedrooms with bathrooms, enhancing pathways, installing automatic doors, and creating accessible dining areas.	€189,750
Roscommon	Grange Lodge	Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience through the addition of kayaks with storage, electric and regular bikes, aluminium fishing boats, and an ATV for equipment transport.	€146,573
Roscommon	Kingston Hall	Category 3 Design and planning for the full restoration and adaptive reuse of Kingston Hall and its grounds for accommodation purposes.	€300,000
Westmeath	Deravarra Farm Lake Lodges	Category 2 Development of two self-catering units.	€300,000
Westmeath	Fore Distillery Ltd.	Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience with interpretation panels, interactive displays, and upgraded car park with accessible spaces.	€51,320
Westmeath	Greville Arms Hotel	Category 5 Enhanced accessibility works including installation of lift and new visual and audio intercom system to enhance communication and accessibility.	€268,634
Westmeath	Hightown Forest Camp and Farm	Category 1 Infrastructure and equipment to facilitate organised tours and workshops for visitors.	€9,770