Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, and Fáilte Ireland have announced that a further 17 projects, worth over €5.5 million, have been awarded funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.

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

Part of the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme, co-funded by the government of Ireland and the European Union, this marks the fifth announcement of successful projects under both the Private and Community SME scheme, and the Local Authority and State Agency schemes.

Thirteen of the projects represent the final private and community SMEs to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, receiving almost €4.5 million in grant-aid to deliver projects across three regenerative tourism development categories.

“The EU Just Transition Fund continues to drive sustainable tourism development across the midlands, with €5.5 million in funding announced for a further 17 projects under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme,” said Caroline Bocquel, CEO at Fáilte Ireland.

“These projects will deliver innovative visitor experiences and low-carbon accommodation across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East, helping to sustain local communities and create new opportunities for employment.”

In addition, over €1 million has been awarded to four projects under the Local Authority and State Agency schemes. These schemes support the development of improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.

To date, almost €60 million has been announced under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. This includes €16million in investment grant-aid to 85 private and community SME projects, and €26million allocated under the Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes.

A further €9.4million 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.

“I am thrilled to announce the latest batch of projects under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, a crucial element of Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Programme,” said Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien. “These projects are a vital step in unlocking the sustainable tourism potential of the region, in addition to providing economic and employment benefits to local communities.”