Offaly awarded extra €613,000 in EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism funding

AN extra €613,000 has been awarded to projects under the local authority EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism scheme, supporting the development of improved tourism infrastructure, and facilities across Offaly..

The funding was announced by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and Fáilte Ireland.

To date Offaly has secured over €3.5 million under Failte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.

This funding is supporting a wide range of innovative tourism projects across the county through both the Private and Community SME scheme and the Local Authority scheme.

Almost €3 million has been awarded to 22 private and community SMEs across 5 categories, to deliver regenerative tourism projects across the county.

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Newly announced projects:

Ballycommon Bakehouse
Accessibility enhancements at Ballycommon Bake House on the Grand Canal and Kilbeggan Greenways which includes a wheelchair-accessible toilet block.

€45,560

Bellfield House and Gardens
Accessibility and visitor experience enhancements to existing visitor attraction and surrounding grounds. This includes accessible toilets, ramps, wayfinding signage, accessible walking trails, and renovation of existing buildings to house a reception, visitor centre, gift shop, café, and workshop space.

€288,000

J Hest Ltd.
Delivery of four eco-friendly, self-drive electric boats for rental from Shannonbridge jetty.

€80,000

Mid Ireland Adventure
Purchase of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to provide a unique safari experience on the River Shannon at Banagher Marina, Co Offaly.  

€200,000

Further funding has been awarded to Bord na Mona to develop a network of accessible trails across its landbank in the midlands.

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Mary Hensey, EU Just Transition Tourism Activator for Offaly, has worked closely with most successful applicants under Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs said the announcement marks an exciting moment for the county. “I’ve seen first-hand the commitment and hard work that has gone into developing these projects and completing the complex applications, Ms. Hensey said. “This funding gives communities and tourism businesses the opportunity to deliver sustainable, high-quality tourism experiences, create employment and support their community. It’s a very exciting time for Offaly, with fantastic projects now moving forward that reflect true regenerative tourism.”

Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, welcomed the investment. “This is a significant vote of confidence in Offaly’s tourism potential,” she said. “These projects will strengthen communities, protect our landscapes, and enhance Offaly’s reputation as an authentic and sustainable destination. “

Gráinne Cornally, Head of Just Transition at Fáilte Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to see such a strong and diverse range of projects in Offaly to receive funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These projects are a perfect example of how this scheme is enhancing the visitor experience and providing new opportunities for destinations across the Midlands. Investments like this help sustain local communities by supporting job creation, empowering local businesses, and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit this part of the country. 

This announcement also highlights the transformative impact that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can have on rural tourism development. We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and to continuing our close collaboration with local tourism businesses, communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver further projects under this scheme in the months ahead.”