- A further 15 projects announced have received over €4.2 million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme
- Evaluations of remaining applications for private and community SME scheme are ongoing with further funding awards to be announced over the coming weeks.
Today [1st May 2025] Fáilte Ireland has announced that a further 15 projects, worth over €4.2 million, have been awarded funding under its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this marks the second announcement of successful projects under both the Private and Community SME scheme, and the Local Authority and State Agency scheme.
13 of these projects [listed below] represent the latest private and community SMEs to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, receiving over €2.6 million in grant-aid to deliver projects across four regenerative tourism development categories [Description of all categories in notes to editor*]. Further projects are expected to be announced under this scheme in the coming weeks, as evaluations of applications are completed.
Over €1.5 million in funding has been awarded to two projects under the Local Authority and State Agency scheme [listed below], which aims to deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.
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 through Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The EU Just Transition Fund scheme is 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 and months 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. These projects, which will deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, will play a key role in the regenerative tourism development journey in the Midlands. I look forward to the delivery of the projects and to witnessing their positive impact across the Midlands region.”
CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said:
“It’s fantastic to see even more tourism businesses and communities benefit from this transformative Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The 15 projects announced today highlight the significant opportunities that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can bring to the midlands.
This investment of over €4.2million will help sustain local communities by creating new opportunities for employment, empowering local businesses, and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.
We look forward to further collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and our strategic partners to deliver this wide range of projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.”
A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said:
“This is an exciting announcement today that an additional 15 tourism projects are receiving funding from the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. EMRA is delighted to be working with Fáilte Ireland in administering this EU Just Transition funded scheme to bring direct support from the EU to the local level. These projects join an ever-expanding list of fantastic EU Just Transition Fund supported initiatives from local groups and businesses across the Midlands that are enabling growth and diversification of opportunities in the region.”
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY SMES
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.
Descriptions of all categories available here.
[Descriptions of all categories in notes to editor*]
| Location | Grantee Name | Project Description / Category | Funding Amount |
| Longford | Ballymahon Cycles | Category 1
Expansion of bicycle stock and variety of bicycle types to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors. |
€64,878.00
|
| Roscommon | Baysports
|
Category 1
Enhanced visitor experience and accessibility through expansion of kayaks, and introduction of e-bikes and e-pedal boats. |
€192,160.00 |
| Galway | Galway Teleworking Co-Op Society Ltd | Category 1
Upgrade of bathroom facilities, in Galway’s Living Bog Interpretive Centre, to include accessible options and improve functionality. |
€ 29,056.00
|
| Laois | Glamping Under the Stars Ltd | Category 2
Development of three self-catering accommodation units including tree houses and eco-lodge. |
€ 300,000.00
|
| Kildare | Cycling Trails and Tours in Irelands Midlands | Category 1
Enhanced visitor experience with cycling and walking tours in Kildare, Laois, and Offaly, complete with bicycles and equipment. |
€43,000.00
|
| Kildare | Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park Ltd | Category 1
Addition of an electric train along with 2 enclosed passenger carriages to facilitate guided tours. |
€300,000.00
|
| Offaly/Galway | Shannon Bank Park Trustees Community Group
|
Category 1
Rejuvenation of Banagher Open Water Pool to offer an improved visitor experience, ensuring it is safe and accessible for all users. |
€616,700.00
|
| Offaly | Croghan Hill Glamping | Category 2
Delivery of 4 self-catering, eco-friendly furnished glamping pods. |
€80,776
|
| Longford | Firecracker Sauna Limited | Category 1
Development of wood-fired sauna on the banks of Lough Leebeen, Aughnacliff. |
€19,331
|
| Westmeath | Viking Tours Ireland
|
Category 3 & 5
Extension of the vessel’s length, installation of bike rack and marine waste holding tank. |
€297,600
|
| Longford | Killashee Eco Lodge Limited | Category 2
Development of self-catering accommodation and the installation of a thermal suite containing Irish peat baths, sauna and plunge pool, and a recreation area. |
€210,000 |
| Laois | The Forum Mountmellick
|
Category 2
Renovation of a coach house to create universally accessible accommodation. |
€220,000 |
| Offaly | Sloe Blossom Farm Limited
|
Category 2
Development of three two-bedroom cabins. |
€300,000 |
PROJECT DETAILS: INVESTMENT GRANT AID SCHEME FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND STATE AGENCIES
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.
[Descriptions of all categories in notes to editor**]
| Location | Grantee Name | Project Description / Category | Funding Amount |
| Roscommon | Roscommon County Council | Category 2
Planning and design of a large-scale multifaceted project on the Hodson Bay waterfront area. |
€1,067,722 |
| Offaly | Waterways Ireland | Category 3
Increase the mooring capacity at Shannon Harbour with fixed jetty to facilitate more visitors and enhance visitor experience. |
€520,000 |
