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.
