A total of 22 projects will be funded from a national investment of just over €27 million under the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
In the first round of approved investment grants, Offaly will receive €8.3 million, with €7.8 million allocated for the redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise. Westmeath will gain €4.4 million, including €3.2 million for improvements to the visitor experience at Athlone Castle. Laois is set to receive €1.8 million, primarily for enhancing the visitor experience at the Rock of Dunamase.
Bord na Móna will get €3.6 million to create 79 km of new walking and cycling trails across Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, and Tipperary. Additionally, €5.5 million will support 85 tourism businesses.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, highlighted the initiative as a significant milestone in the green transition: “This initiative, co-funded by the Government and the European Union, not only provides new employment and economic opportunities for communities and businesses in the Midlands but also helps protect biodiversity, supporting a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future. I look forward to the delivery of these projects and their positive impact on the Midlands region.”
CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly, stated: “These transformative projects across the region will create more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East. They will generate new employment opportunities, empower local businesses, enhance local communities, and strengthen the appeal of the Midlands as a tourist destination for generations to come. With further investment in projects to be announced in the coming months, this is a very exciting time for the Midlands.”