Latest news with #RegenerativeTourismandPlacemakingScheme
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Roscommon to benefit from €350,000 fund for outdoor recreational trails
This funding will help keep the trails in good condition and ensure they remain accessible to walkers and cyclists. The trails are part of a larger network being developed across the midlands under the EU's Just Transition Fund. Follow Independent Roscommon on Facebook The funding will also support a number of trails within the Lough Boora Discovery Park in County Offaly. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said, 'We're excited to partner with BnM to support the maintenance of these new trails. This investment will help protect the trails and ensure they remain enjoyable for future generations.' BnM CEO Tom Donnellan added: 'We're committed to creating long-term social and environmental value for communities in the Midlands. This partnership with the Department will help us deliver on that commitment." The EU Just Transition Fund partly funds the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland's Midlands 2023-2026. One of the programmes funded through this scheme is the Trail Network Development Scheme. Under this scheme, BnM have been approved for €30 million of funding to support the development of 51kilometres of a midland trail network of universally accessible walking and cycling trails across BnM lands in Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath. The scheme includes trail development on suitable BnM lands, predominantly on former rail beds and bog headlands that were previously used for peat extraction.
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Funding approved for multi-million-euro waterfront facility in Roscommon
The project, estimated to cost up to €30 million, aims to develop a marina with approximately 50 new berths, a promenade and water activities facilities in Hodson Bay on the shores of Lough Ree. The plan makes provision for enhanced facilities for activities such as boating and swimming. It also allows for a revised access strategy to create a link with the proposed new 'Lough Ree Greenway' in the redeveloped Hodson Bay area. The project is being managed by Roscommon County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland. The latter organisations are providing combined match funding of €320,000. The balance of €1.07 million funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023-2026) under the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) 2021 – 2027. The Just Transition Fund is designed to support EU regions most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy, such as Ireland's Midlands region, where industries such as peat harvesting have declined. Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan said the new development at the Hodson Bay 'will increase capacity for even more visitors to the region and enhance the tourism offering of the region'. Civic Engineers Ltd have been appointed as lead consultants on the project following the signing of contract documents. Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland said that the EU Just Transition Fund is was helping to 'transform the tourism landscape in the Midlands'. 'Roscommon is a key destination in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and we look forward to working closely with Roscommon County Council to deliver this project and support the sustainable development of tourism for the benefit of visitors and communities across the region,' added Mr Mathews. Subject to planning being secured by Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland will investigate all funding opportunities to progress the project elements to construction.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Five projects land €700k windfall as move from brown to green economy gathers pace
More than €672,000 is set to go towards five tourism projects across both counties under Fáilte Ireland's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. Among the projects that are set to benefit include monies for glamping and self-catering accommodation with the largest recipient being Athlone's short cruise operator Viking Tours Ireland. The six figure sum is aimed at supporting sustainable tourism, job creation and economic development across the midlands Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the investment would go a long way towards underpinning the region's burgeoning tourism industry. 'This is a significant boost for tourism in Longford and Westmeath. The Just Transition Fund is about delivering real, tangible support for local businesses and communities as we move away from peat-based industries,' he said. 'These investments will help us build a stronger, greener tourism offering that creates local jobs and attracts more visitors to our towns and villages. 'We've already seen how impactful the Just Transition Fund can be for counties like Longford and Westmeath. 'This new round of funding continues that momentum, supporting exciting local projects that showcase the best of what our region has to offer.' Four of the five businesses set to receive funding are located in Longford and include: • Ballymahon Cycles: €64,878 to expand and diversify its bicycle fleet, making its offering more inclusive for all visitors. • Croghan Hill Glamping: €80,776 for the delivery of eco-friendly glamping pods. • Killashee Eco Lodge: €210,000 for new self-catering accommodation, a thermal suite featuring Irish peat baths, and a recreation area. • Firecracker Sauna (Aughnacliff): €19,331 for the development of a wood-fired lakeside sauna at Lough Leebeen. Approximately €297,600 will, meanwhile, go towards Viking Tours Ireland (Athlone) to extend its river vessel and upgrade its environmental and accessibility features. The announcement is part of a wider €4.2m investment in 15 tourism projects across the midlands regions with further successful projects under the scheme expected to be announced over the coming weeks.
