€4.5 million in grants for tourism projects in this area

Westmeath County Council and Waterways Ireland have received significant shares of the more than €32 million in investment grants announced for projects under Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.

Twenty two projects approved for €27.1 million investment under the scheme include walking and cycling trails on former industrial peatlands, and investment in local authority and state agency tourism and visitor experience projects.

Projects still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Projects span three development categories, including feasibility and masterplans; product design and planning; and delivery and construction.

Local projects

The local projects are: interpretation, facilities and visitor journey enhancements throughout Athlone Castle (€3,226,770); detailed design and planning of Boardwalk and Outdoor Urban Swimming Pool in Athlone Town Centre (€561,803); and visitor experience masterplan development for Belvedere House, Gardens and Park Regenerative Tourism Project (€187,500) for Westmeath County Council; and Royal Canal Greenway visitor experience development, including, Greenway animation and interpretation (€487,500) for Waterways Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland is also announcing the inclusion of up to 85 tourism enterprises in its EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme, which is valued at up to €5.5 million.

A funding scheme for private and community SMEs to provide new and enhanced visitor experiences and low-carbon tourist accommodation remains open for applications until 30 June 2024, and announcements will be made on those awards later in the year.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, TD, said: “These projects mark the first steps in the regenerative tourism development journey in the midlands, and we are pleased to work with our colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to deliver on government climate action goals through the EU Just Transition Fund.

“The projects funded support our move as a nation towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment for the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy, which will support sustainable economic development and job creation. We’re already seeing a significant impact in the Midlands as all counties within the region have been represented across these approved investments in projects, with more to come.”

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, TD, added that the initiative, co-funded by the government and the European Union, provides new employment and economic opportunities for communities and businesses in the midlands, and also helps protect biodiversity, supporting a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future.

“I look forward to the delivery of these projects and to their positive impact on the midlands region,” he said.

Trail Development Scheme

As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6 million towards the creation of up to 79km* of new walking and cycling trails, across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank in the following areas:

Longford – between Lanesborough and Cloondara

Roscommon – between Termonbarry and Roosky

Westmeath – between Athlone and Ballinahown

Offaly East – between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas

Offaly West – around Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora

Tipperary – between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile

The trail development network focuses on developing and repurposing former industrial peatlands to support a network of universally accessible cyclable and walkable trails that will add to, and connect with, existing trails.

The ambition for this connected trail network will be to firmly establish the midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities, connecting back into towns and villages. Following the successful completion of the planning process for these trails, Bord na Móna will apply for funding for their construction.