The extent of the greenways is constantly improving - and grant aid makes it easier for tourism operators to benefit from the new amenities.

June deadline for tourism scheme offering 100pc grants

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Anyone thinking of setting up an activity in Westmeath suitable for tourists may qualify for full funding for the project, Westmeath County Council has revealed.

Grant aid of up to 100% of eligible costs can be sought by activity tourism providers under the current EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, said the county council tourism officer, Úna Doris.

Projects include setting up a bike hire or water-based activity business and items funded could include purchase of bikes, kayaks, safety equipment or other capital costs.

“Projects costing less than €10,000 can potentially avail of up to 100% funding and the application process has been simplified for these projects,” said Ms Doris.

Larger tourism projects may be funded up to 80% of eligible costs.

“With nearly 100km of greenways in the county, along with our lakeshore amenities, there is a fantastic opportunity for activity providers to grow a successful tourism enterprise,” Ms Doris told the Westmeath Examiner this week.

Lined up to provide assistance to applicants at every step of the process is Westmeath County Council’s ‘Just Transition Activator’ Amy O’Connor, who points out that applicants need to have their expressions of interest lodged by June 30.

“We are looking for all potential applicants to come forward and avail of the support available to tap into this unique funding opportunity,” Ms O’Connor says.

As well as the projects mentioned by Ms Doris, many other project types are also eligible including visitor accommodation, attractions and accessibility improvements for more inclusive visitor experiences.

Anyone who is interested in this scheme can contact Amy by phone on 087 490 8426 or 044 933 2217 or email amy.oconnor@westmeathcoco.ie.

Industry workshop

The ‘activation’ of Westmeath’s tourism assets, specifically greenways, was discussed at a Fáilte Ireland workshop in Bloomfield House Hotel on Wednesday May 29.

Attendees heard details of a range of grants and supports on offer to businesses who wish to progress opportunities associated with the greenways.

In addition to the Just Transition Regenerative Tourism Scheme, grants for tourism projects are available from Westmeath Community Development under the new LEADER Programme. Expert mentoring, training and a range of other supports are available through the Westmeath Local Enterprise Office and Fáilte Ireland’s Business Supports Hub.

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