€3.6M Granted to 24 Midlands Tourism Projects Under EU Just Transition Fund & SME Scheme
€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
|
For further information contact
Killian Mc Nally 086 1673572
killian.mcnally@failteireland.ie / pressoffice@failteireland.ie
