Three Laois tourism centres receive over €380,000

THREE tourism centres in Laois have been awarded more than €380,000, with the majority going to a former rectory that has been converted into self-catering accommodation.

Rectory Park in Coolbanagher, Emo, is the biggest local winner in the latest round of Failte Ireland’s EU Just Transition funding, receiving €300,000 for the development of two two-bedroom cottages with sensory rooms in the grounds of the 18th century property.

The other successful applicants are Ballykilcavan Brewery near Stradbally and Brielle House in Mountmellick, which also offers self-catering accommodation.

Brielle House was awarded €66,000 to ‘enhance visitor experience’ with improvements that will include a resurfaced car park and bedroom upgrades.

Ballykilcavan Brewery got €18,256 for a commercial kitchen as well as upgrades to the visitor centre, to ‘further expand the current offering for one of the key sustainable tourism attractions in the county’.

A combined total of €384, 256 was announced on Thursday for the three local projects, as part of a Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for the midlands. Nationally, Fáilte Ireland announced almost €3.6 million in funding for 24 projects under its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.

The Old Rectory at Coolbanagher, which was built in 1790, is set on 45 acres and contains a range of holiday lets and self-catering accommodation. Now operating as Rectory Park, the Just Transition funding is for a holiday village designed specifically for children with special needs. 

The development will provide accessible accommodation, tailored recreational facilities and therapeutic services to offer ‘an inclusive holiday experience’ for families.

The project aims to promote well-being, social inclusion and relaxation for children and their families, while contributing positively to the local community.

According to Fáilte Ireland, the latest grants bring total investment in private and SME capital project development in Laois to over €1.5 million to date.

The funding is part of a broader initiative under the EU Just Transition Fund, aimed at ‘supporting businesses that are committed to sustainable practices, economic diversification and contributing to the green transition in Ireland’.

The fund supports initiatives that promote environmental conservation, reduce carbon footprints and generate employment in green industries.

Evelyn Reddin, head of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) at Laois County Council, said the funding for local projects ‘is a testament to the exceptional work by businesses across the county’.

Ms Reddin said these businesses ‘continually strengthen the sustainable tourism industry and incentivise more visitors to pick Laois as their destination of choice’.

Regina Dunne, EU Just Transition Fund tourism activator in Laois, said: ‘The funding for these projects will further enhance the offering available to tourists, providing for sustainable and inclusive visitor needs.

‘With a growing number of visitors requiring some form of accessibility requirements, the funding for these projects ensures we are meeting the growing demand.’