Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Local Authorities

Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Local Authorities

Three logos, from left to right the government of Ireland logo, the European Union logo and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly logo

This scheme offers grant-aid to the eight Local Authorities within the EU Just Transition Territory to deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors. The Scheme will focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.

Funding for this scheme is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. All approved projects under this scheme are subject to planning permission and funding availability.

The EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is a finite fund of €68million, and in accordance with EU regulations, all projects must be completed, and funds drawn down by August 2026.

Approved Projects:
 
The below projects have been approved for funding for investment under this Scheme. Further projects that are still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Project and Location Project Description Lead Organisation Funding Amount
Kildare: Emily Square Urban Renewal
Redevelopment and regeneration of Emily Square at the heart of Athy Town Kildare County Council €2,735,425
Laois: Rock of Dunamase
Delivery of enhancements to the visitor experience at the Rock of Dunamase thorough delivery of carpark, facilities and interpretation Laois County Council €1,796,592
Westmeath: Athlone Castle
Delivery of interpretation, facilities and visitor journey enhancements throughout Athlone Castle Westmeath County Council €3,226,770
Westmeath: Athlone Town Centre
Detailed design and planning of Boardwalk and Outdoor Urban Swimming Pool in Athlone Town Centre Westmeath County Council €561,803
Westmeath: Belvedere House, Gardens and Park
Visitor experience masterplan development for Belvedere House, Gardens and Park Regenerative Tourism Project Westmeath County Council €187,500
Tipperary: Castle Street, Roscrea Detailed design and planning for the regeneration of Castle Street Tipperary County Council €581,687
Tipperary: Carrick-on-Suir Riverside Regeneration
Feasibility, concept development and detailed design and planning Tipperary County Council €185,027
Galway: Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre
Feasibility, concept development and detailed design for the enhancement of the visitor experience Galway County Council €103,200
Longford: Clondra to Tarmonbarry cycleway scheme
Feasibility to assess linking Clondra and Tarmonbarry through an off-road cyclepath Longford County Council €84,000
Longford: Clondra Village Enhancements
Delivery of enhancements to the public realm and outdoor visitor facilities in Clondra village and provide better connection with neighbouring Termonbarry through safer cycling and walking routes Longford County Council €370,000
Longford: Lanesborough Amphitheatre
Detailed design and planning for the development of Lanesborough Amphitheatre Longford County Council €150,000
Offaly: Shannonbridge Plaza and Shannon Callows Reserve Walkway
Detailed design and planning for a central plaza and walkway Offaly County Council €218,275
Offaly: Birr Destination Town Plus
Delivery of enhanced paving at William Street improving the linkages to the Castle Demesne and town centre Offaly County Council €188,183
Roscommon: Lough Key Forest Park
Detailed design and planning for increased capacity and range of activities to realise ambitious strategy and masterplan objectives for Lough Key Forest Park Coillte in partnership with Roscommon County Council €1,185,712