€630,000 for Westmeath projects under Fáilte Ireland’s investment grant-aid scheme
Westmeath was one of the big winners as grant allocations for tourism projects under the EU Just Transition Fund programme were announced today.
Four local tourism projects received a combined €630,000 under Fáilte Ireland’s investment grant-aid scheme for private and community SMEs.
The funding is part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. It marks the third tranche of allocations under the scheme, which supports sustainable rural tourism across the Midlands.
To date, over €13.4 million has been allocated to projects in Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Roscommon and parts of Galway, Kildare, and Tipperary.
The funded projects are: Deravarra Farm Lake Lodges, which was awarded €300,000 for the development of two self-catering lakefront units to enhance rural accommodation options.
Fore Distillery Ltd received €51,320 for the enhanced visitor experience with interpretation panels, interactive displays, and upgraded car park with accessible spaces.
The Greville Arms Hotel grant is €268,634, to allow for the installation of a lift to enhance hotel accessibility and improve visitor inclusivity.
The Hightown Forest Camp and Farm allocation of €9,770 will go toward the development of infrastructure and purchase of equipment to facilitate guided tours and workshops.
Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Roscommon are the main beneficiaries of this round of funding.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the grants will bolster the county's tourism offering: “These projects - from lake lodges and eco-camping to hotel upgrades and visitor experience enhancements - will help boost our tourism sector and bring more visitors to the county,” he said.
Minister Burke said more grants will be announced later this year: “This investment will support local jobs, increase footfall, and strengthen Westmeath’s position as a unique rural destination.
“There is still more to come, I look forward to announcing another round of funding in September and will continue to work to ensure Westmeath tourism businesses are supported every step of the way.”
This funding is part of the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund, supporting the economic transformation of the Midlands away from peat-based industries.
“By investing in the development of small rural businesses and expanding the tourism offering in Westmeath and across the region, we are securing long-term, sustainable economic growth and critical local employment. I look forward to seeing these projects delivered over the coming year,” Minister Burke concluded.