€2.3 million awarded to 18 New Tourism Projects in Midlands Under Fáilte Ireland’s Private and Community SME Scheme
- A further 18 projects announced have received over €2.3million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.
Today (13 June 2025), Fáilte Ireland has announced that a further 18 projects, worth over €2.3 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 18 projects [listed below] represent the latest successful grantees to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, receiving over €2.3 million in grant-aid to deliver projects across four regenerative tourism development categories. With evaluation of applications reaching its final stage, further projects are expected to be announced under this scheme in the coming weeks.
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:
“I am pleased to see today’s announcement of further investment in projects by Government and the European Union through Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. 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”.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. said:
“I welcome the latest announcement by Fáilte Ireland of investments in projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. Regenerative Tourism is a key element of Ireland’s Just Transition Strategy, interlinking the decarbonisation of the economy with fostering a sense of place, and strengthening the social fabric of the region. These projects, which will deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, are key examples of the Regenerative Tourism development journey in the Midlands. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these projects across the Midlands region.”
CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said:
“The 18 projects announced today are a further testament to the transformative impact of the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
This €2.3 million in investment being announced today will further help to enhance the appeal of destinations across Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands by creating new opportunities and driving sustainable growth which will benefit local communities, businesses and visitors.
With evaluation of applications reaching its final stage, we look forward to 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.”
A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said:
“Today’s announcement marks another key milestone in the ongoing success of the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, with 18 additional tourism projects receiving significant funding. EMRA is pleased to collaborate with Fáilte Ireland in delivering this EU Just Transition Fund-supported initiative, ensuring direct EU investment reaches local communities. These projects add to the growing list of transformative efforts led by businesses and groups across the Midlands, driving sustainable growth and expanding opportunities across the region.”
PROJECT DETAILS
Descriptions of all categories available here.
| 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
|
With the announcement today, the total grant aid awarded in this scheme adds up to almost €8 million. See table below.
| 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 |
