€2.3m In EU Just Transition Funding Granted To Midlands Tourism Projects

Projects across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath are in line for funding.

€2.3 million has been granted to midlands tourism projects under the EU Just Transition fund.

€300,000 is going to Lough Ree Tours in Westmeath to buy second hand boats for their guided tours of the lake and the River Shannon.

There's €89,000 for the Sportsman's Inn to convert a residential unit into a 4-bedroom ensuite accommodation for tourists. 

While Kinnitty Development Group is line for €53,000 for the Trailhead Centre in the town.

The funding will allow the Offaly volunteer group to install 24/7 accessible showers, secure bike parking, and a visitor information area.

Group member, Christina Byrne says the funding means the world to them:

Here's a full list of the awarded projects:

Westmeath Lough Ree Tours Category 1 Purchase of refitted second-hand vessel to enhance the Visitor Experience by offering guided boat tours on the River Shannon and Lough Ree €300,000 

Laois The Sportsmans Inn Category 2 Conversion of existing residential unit into a 4-bedroom ensuite accommodation for tourists €89,930 

Offaly Kinnitty Development Group Category 1 Enhancement of the Kinnitty Trailhead Centre with 24/7 accessible showers, secure bike parking, a visitor information area, and a meeting space for groups and community events €53,436 - see slievebloom.ie for further details of the walking and mountain biking trails

Laois Durrow Development Forum Category 1 Development of digital trails for an immersive, self-guided exploration of the area's history and biodiversity €9,840 

Westmeath Little Buds Natural Wellness Category 1 Enhanced visitor experience and accessibility through the addition of water activity equipment €9,950 

Westmeath Mullingar Bike Hire Category 1 Purchase of 3 electric bicycles to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors €8,130 

Roscommon Arigna Mining Experience Ltd: Category 1 Integrate AR to recreate historical mining scenes and develop a mobile app for personalised Visitor Experiences €256,000 

Longford Clonbrin Farm Accommodation Ltd: Category 1 Purchase of bicycles to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors € 4,494 

Longford Clonbrin Farm Accommodation Ltd Category 2 Development of 3 self-catering units in repurposed farm buildings, located in the centre of a working farm €284,170 

Longford Clynan Mill Limited Category 2 Restoration of a derelict 1850’s Corn Mill into a 4-bedroom self-catering accommodation property €269,000 

Tipperary Noan Country House B&B Category 2 Transformation of a stable block in the estate's yard into two two-storey self-catering lodges €248,000 

Tipperary Eye of Nature Category 1 Develop a visitor education centre with microscopes and digital displays, allowing visitors to observe microbial life in soil and understand its importance for food systems.