Minister of State Peter Burke, Sofia Alves, Director, Regional & Urban Pollicy, European Commission Sean Fleming, Minister of State Anne Rabbitte; Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, Minister Eamon Ryan, Environment, Climate & Communications & Clllr Rob Power,EMRA Cathaoirelach at the launch of the EU JUST TRANSITION FUND in the Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre, Longford. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

Fáilte Ireland funding available for Regenerative Tourism Projects

Published:

Local businesses and community enterprises are being urged to seize a unique opportunity to secure funding for tourism projects through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023-2026). The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is fast approaching, with applications closing on June 30 2024 at 12 noon.

This scheme is an investment grant-aid for private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs within the EU Just Transition Territory, which includes all of County Offaly.

A Tourism Activator, Mary Hensey has been appointed to Offaly County Council to assist applicants with the two-step application process and is the first point of contact when submitting an Expression of Interest form by the deadline. Without completing an EOI, businesses cannot proceed to the full application stage. Ms Hensey confirmed that “as funding is limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis, early submission is essential. Don’t wait for the deadline to submit, if you can do it now, submit your EOI now!”

The scheme aims to attract more visitors and increase the duration of their stays by enhancing the range of available attractions and accommodation. This initiative encourages the creation of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones with the aim to create new jobs and stimulate the local Midlands economy.

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, emphasised the importance of this opportunity: “I really encourage anyone located in the EU Just Transition Territory with an idea for a tourism project to submit an Expression of Interest for the Scheme before the 30th of June 2024. The EU Just Transition Fund is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Ireland’s Midlands and build a greener future.”

Categories for Funding:

1. Development or enhancement of sustainable visitor experiences and outdoor activities.

2. Development of sustainable/low carbon tourist accommodation.

3. Capital Project planning & design.

4. Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.

Interested applicants can submit their EOI through Fáilte Ireland’s website at www.failteireland.ie. For additional support, contact Offaly’s Tourism Activator Mary Hensey at mhensey@offalycoco.ie.

Projects must be completed, and funds drawn down by August 31 2026.

Published: