Substantial funding has been earmarked for investments in projects across the Shannonside region. The EU Just Transition Fund has awarded over €6 million in funding to a total of 22 sites in the midlands. Locally, some of the projects that can expect to receive funding are Athlone Castle, Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, and a new amphitheatre in Lanesboro, Co. Longford.
The allocated funding will go towards enhancing and developing these sites to promote tourism in rural Ireland. Speaking to Shannonside News, Paddy Matthews from Ireland's Hidden Heartlands explained that the funding will diversify local economy: