Pictured, back row (L-R): Caren Carruthers, Failte Ireland, Vanessa and Aidan Shortall, The Old Coach House, Anne Davis, Bellefield House & Gardens, Richard Kennedy, Sloe Blossom Farm, Chris Byrne, Kinnitty Trailhead Centre, Gerry McGrath, Ballycommon Bakehouse, Arlene Kiernan, Grand Canal Getaway. Front row (L-R): Mary Hensey, Just Transition Officer, Orla Martin, Head of Offaly Local Enterprise Office, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy, Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney, Andrew Murray Director of Services, and Olive Farrelly, Tourism Officer.

Tourism funding of over €600k awarded to four Offaly projects

Published:

Four projects in Offaly are to benefit from an allocation of €613,000 in EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism Funding which was awarded just before Christmas.

The largest share of this funding will go to Bellefield House and Gardens in Shinrone, which has been granted €288,000 towards accessibility and visitor experience enhancements.

This work is due to include the installation of accessible toilets, ramps, wayfinding signage, accessible walking trails, and renovation of existing buildings to house a reception, visitor centre, gift shop, café, and workshop space.

Banagher company Mid Ireland Adventure is being granted €200,000 for the purchase of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to provide a "unique safari experience" on the River Shannon at Banagher Marina.

Another water-based project sees J Hest Ltd being awarded €80,000 towards the delivery of "four eco-friendly, self-drive electric boats for rental from Shannonbridge jetty".

Meanwhile, the local café and bakery Ballycommon Bakehouse is being granted funding of €45,560 for "accessibility enhancements at Ballycommon Bake House on the Grand Canal and Kilbeggan Greenways" with this work due to include a wheelchair-accessible toilet block.

The €613,000 in funding for the four Offaly projects was announced on December 19 by Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke.

Offaly County Council said that, to date, Offaly had secured over €3.5 million under Failte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.

Further funding has been awarded to Bord na Mona to develop a network of accessible trails across its landbank in the Midlands.

Mary Hensey, EU Just Transition Tourism Activator for Offaly, has worked closely with most of the successful funding applicants and said the announcement marks an exciting moment for the county.

"I've seen first-hand the commitment and hard work that has gone into developing these projects and completing the complex applications," Ms Hensey said.

"This funding gives communities and tourism businesses the opportunity to deliver sustainable, high-quality tourism experiences, create employment and support their community.

"It's a very exciting time for Offaly, with fantastic projects now moving forward that reflect true regenerative tourism."

Anna Marie Delaney, the outgoing chief executive of Offaly County Council, also welcomed the investment.

"This is a significant vote of confidence in Offaly’s tourism potential," said Ms Delaney. "These projects will strengthen communities, protect our landscapes, and enhance Offaly’s reputation as an authentic and sustainable destination."

Published: