Further EU funding announced for Laois tourism projects

FÁILTE Ireland has announced that a further 17 projects, worth over €5.5 million, have secured funding through the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The programme is split financed between both the EU and the government of Ireland is aimed at assisting those most affected by the EU wide push to transition to climate neutrality. In Ireland, this programme is targeted at the midlands areas, which has historically seen heavier use of the carbon-unfriendly peat – used for fires and the general generation of electricity.

This latest grant approval brings the total funding announced for the tourism sector to almost €60 million across the scheme.

The above includes €16 million in investment grant aid to 85 private and community SME projects across the Just Transition region, including Co Laois, and €26 million allocated under the Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes, which has thus far directly funded projects such as the Rock of Dunamase car park and the Donaghmore Workhouse Museum feasibility study. Additional funding worth €9.4 million went to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) for the planned development of a series of universally accessible walking trails across the parts of the landbank which lie within the EU JTF territory.

“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,’’ Gráinne Cornally, head of Just Transition at Fáilte Ireland, said.

The successful applicants to the scheme from Co Laois gathered in county hall to celebrate the significant economic impact, employment creation and addition of new regenerative and low carbon tourism that their projects have brought and will continue to 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.