€1.6m funding announced for local tourism projects

Four local tourism projects are to benefit from a funding boost of over €1.6m, it was announced today.

The funding was awarded under Fáilte Ireland's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, with a total of €1,622,360 awarded for four projects in the locality – one in Athlone, two at Hodson Bay and one in Ballymahon.

In total, €4.2m funding was announced today for 15 tourism projects across the midlands and east.

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.

Roscommon County Council has been awarded €1,067,722 under the Local Authority and State Agency scheme for a planned waterfront park at Hodson Bay. The funding announced today is earmarked for the planning and design of a large-scale multifaceted project on the Hodson Bay waterfront area. It was awarded under a category covering costs for detailed design/planning and construction tendering of projects.

On top of this, three local tourism businesses have received funding, with Athlone-based Viking Tours Ireland receiving almost €300,000; Baysports receiving over €190,000; and Ballymahon Cycles receiving almost €65,000.

Viking Tours Ireland received €297,600 for the extension of the vessel's length and the installation of a bike rack and marine waste holding tank. The funding was awarded under two categories, aimed as covering the cost of capital project planning and design, and to enhance accessibility to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.

Baysports was awarded €192,160 for an enhanced visitor experience and accessibility through the expansion of kayaks and the introduction of e-bikes and e-pedal boats.

Ballymahon Cycles received funding of €64,878 for the expansion of bicycle stock and a variety of bicycle types to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Both Baysports and Ballymahon Cycles received their funding for the development or enhancement of sustainable visitor experiences.

The 15 projects awarded funding today include two projects under the Local Authority and State Agency scheme and 13 under the private and community SME scheme. Fáilte Ireland states that further funding to SMEs under these scheme will be announced over the coming weeks as evaluations of remaining applications are completed.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke: "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.”

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.”

A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said: "This is an exciting announcement today. 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."