Kinnitty tourism project receives Fáilte Ireland funding boost

An Offaly tourism project is to benefit from a funding boost of over €50,000, it has been announced.

Kinnitty Development Group has been awarded €53,436 under Fáilte Ireland’s Private and Community SME Scheme.

The grant funding has been allocated towards the enhancement of the Kinnitty Trailhead Centre to provide regular shower accessibility, secure bike parking, a visitor information area, and a meeting space for groups and community events.

These enhancements are expected to significantly improve the experience for visitors to the Slieve Bloom Mountains and boost local tourism in the area.

Chairman of the Kinnitty Development Group, John Carroll, said that the completed facility will act as a catalyst for further regeneration, tourism, and economic growth in the village.

"The newly developed space is expected to act as a focal point for festivals, farmers markets, and other community-led events, while helping to attract investment into derelict properties and new business ventures," Mr Carroll said.

The Development Group hope the project will not only support visitors but will also stimulate broader regeneration by attracting investment into unused buildings, creating new businesses, and making the village more attractive as a place to live, work and explore.

Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack, welcomed the funding as a clear sign of what can be achieved when local initiative meets national support.

“Kinnitty is showing the way for rural tourism in Offaly and across the Midlands. With the right investment and vision, communities like this can unlock enormous potential. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are central to that future," the Deputy said.

Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan said that the funding allocated was "testament to the hard work and sheer dedication of the Kinnitty Centre’s entire management and application committee, and I want to commend them on this fantastic result," Deputy Nolan said.

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, said the funding allocation was a "boost" for Kinnitty and the wider Slieve Bloom area.

"These upgrades will strengthen Kinnitty’s role as a hub for outdoor recreation and rural tourism while providing real value for both local residents and visiting tourists. I want to commend the Kinnitty Development Group for their work in bringing this project forward," the Deputy said.

Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this is the third announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme.