Overlooked Irish area set for major rejuvenation for tourists

The Irish midlands are set to receive a big tourism rejuvenation. 22 projects in the area are to receive €27.1 million investment grant-aid in the first round of investment approval.

This is made possible under the EU Just Transition Fund, with funds being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026. Among the 22 projects to benefit are walking and cycling routes as well as other visitor experiences.

The Irish Midlands is made up of counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford. These counties are often overlooked by tourists who tend to travel to more popular Irish destinations such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Kerry.

Further projects that are still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months. Projects span three development categories, including feasibility and masterplans; product design and planning; and delivery and construction.

Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s official tourism body, has also announced the inclusion of up to 85 tourism enterprises in its EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme which is valued at up to €5.5million.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, said: “These projects mark the first steps in the regenerative tourism development journey in the Midlands, and we are pleased to work with our colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to deliver on government climate action goals through the EU Just Transition Fund. The projects funded support our move as a nation towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment for the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy, which will support sustainable economic development and job creation. We’re already seeing a significant impact in the Midlands as all counties within the region have been represented across these approved investments in projects, with more to come.”

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD, added: “Today marks a significant milestone in the green transition as Fáilte Ireland announces the first projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme targeted at the Midlands Region. This initiative, co-funded by the Government and the European Union not only provides new employment and economic opportunities for communities and businesses in the Midlands but also helps protect biodiversity, supporting a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future. I look forward to the delivery of these projects and to their positive impact on the Midlands Region.”

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Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6 million towards the creation of up to 79km of new walking and cycling trails, across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank. The trails include stretches between Lanesborough and Cloondara in Co Longford, Termonbarry and Roosky in Co Roscommon, and Athlone and Ballinahown in Westmeath, among others.

The trail development network focuses on developing and repurposing former industrial peatlands to support a network of universally accessible cyclable and walkable trails. The aim is to establish the Irish Midlands as a go-to destination for outdoor activities.

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