Local projects are set to receive over €6 million in funding under the EU Just Transition Fund.
It’s part of a €32 million investment in regenerative tourism announced by Fáilte Ireland.
The funding is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
22 projects in the midlands are set to receive €27.1million following this first round of funding approval.
Local projects to benefit include Athlone Castle which will see over €3.2 million invested in visitor enhancements.
Lough Key Forest Park will receive over €1.1 million to boost capacity and activities while €370,000 will be invested in Clondra Village enhancements.
There’s also €150,000 for the development of Lanesboro Amphitheatre and €84,000 for the Clondra to Tarmonbarry Cycleway Scheme.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canal Greenway, which runs through Longford, will also receive over €487,000.
Further funding of over €260,000 will go towards Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre and Athlone Town Centre will see a €561,000 investment.
There’s good news too for local trails as Bord Na Móna has been awarded €3.6 million for the creation of up to 79kms of new walking and
cycling trails.
Local trails set to benefit include Lanesboro to Cloondara, Tarmonbarry to Rooskey and Athlone to Ballinahown.
There’s €5.5 million towards a Digital Transformation Programme for businesses involved in the tourism industry.
A €17 million funding scheme for private and community SMEs is also open for expressions of interest until the end of this month.
