Fáilte Ireland have announced that a further 17 projects, worth over €5.5 million, were awarded funding through the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland.
This latest grant approval brings the total funding announced for the tourism sector to almost €60 million across the scheme.
To date, almost €60 million has been announced under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
This includes €16 million in investment grant-aid to 85 private and community SME projects across the Just Transition region including county Laois, and €26 million allocated under the Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes including projects such as the Rock of Dunamase car park, and Donaghmore Workhouse Museum Feasibility study.
A further €9.4 million was awarded to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) to develop and begin delivery on a network of universally accessible trails across suitable parts of its landbank within the EU JTF territory.
Further investment under this scheme is expected to be announced over the coming months.
The scheme also supports 82 businesses participating in the Tourism Learning Network Programme, 66 participants in the Digital Transformation Programme, and 8 Tourism Activators – one in each county across the territory.
Successful applicants to the scheme from County Laois gathered in County Hall in recognition of the significant economic impact, employment creation and addition of new Regenerative and Low Carbon tourism that their projects bring to the county.
By summer 2026, the investment will see many new accommodation offerings, digital walking trails, interactive and accessible websites and booking engines, as well as accessibility upgrades to ensure that the growing tourism demand is met.
With a primary focus on sustainable, regenerative, and low carbon, these new projects will ensure that Laois fulfils its potential as a sustainable and green, tourism destination.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme aims to transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the local economy and providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat.
The scheme will develop the midlands into a leading regenerative tourism destination, creating more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit the Midlands while also sustaining jobs, businesses and local communities in the region.
It will also support the transition of the Midlands to a carbon neutral destination through funding of sustainable tourism projects that are designed to have significant regenerative impacts on local communities and peatlands.
Gráinne Cornally, Head of Just Transition at Fáilte Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to see such a strong and diverse range of projects in Laois to receive funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
“These projects are a perfect example of how this scheme is enhancing the visitor experience and providing new opportunities for destinations across the Midlands.
“Investments like this help sustain local communities by supporting job creation, empowering local businesses, and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit this part of the country.
“This announcement also highlights the transformative impact that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can have on rural tourism development.
“We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and to continuing our close collaboration with local tourism businesses, communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver further projects under this scheme in the months ahead.”
Regina Dunne, Just Transition Tourism Activator with Laois County Council, said: “It was great to see most of the successful grantees gather together.
“The calibre of the projects coming through is excellent, and it also showcases the potential for growth in Laois to be a sustainable tourism destination.
“The economic potential that these projects will deliver, both capital and digital projects, will be of huge benefit not only to the grantees but the other services and facilities in Laois adjacent to the projects.”
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council said: “Tourism is everybody’s business, and it is exciting to see the growth and demand for tourism in Laois being met by business owners and startups, in a sustainable way that is conscious of impact on community, biodiversity, and the environment.”
