Projects in Birr and Roscrea to benefit from EU Just Transition Tourism funding
€7,800,000 has been granted for the redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise
PROJECTS in Birr, Roscrea, Shannonbridge and Clonmacnoise will all benefit from the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund announced by Failte Ireland last week.
The projects are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
Among the projects to benfefit include a grant of €188,183 for Birr Destination Town Plus for the delivery of enhanced paving at William Street improving the linkages to the Castle Demesne and town centre.
Two projects in Roscrea are to receive significant funding. €2,976,548 has been allocated to Roscrea Castle for the delivery of interpretation upgrade and introduction of new exhibitions within Roscrea Castle, Damer House, Heritage Centre, and landscaping works to the castle courtyard and garden, while €581,687 has granted for the detailed design and planning for the regeneration of Castle Street.
Two projects in Shannonbridge have also been allocated funding. €218,275 has been allocated for a detailed design and planning for a central plaza and walkway at Shannonbridge Plaza and Shannon Callows Reserve Walkway, while €150,000 has been granted for the expansion of the capacity of the marina at Shannonbridge.
A sum of €7,800,000 has been granted for the redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise, including refurbishment and extension of buildings to enhance the experience for visitors.
As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6million towards the creation of up to 79km of new walking and cycling trails, across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank. These will include two areas in Offaly - Offaly East – between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas and Offaly West – around Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora, while one project in Tipperary between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile is also included.
The trail development network focuses on developing and repurposing former industrial peatlands to support a network of universally accessible cyclable and walkable trails that will add to, and connect with, existing trails. The ambition for this connected trail network will be to firmly establish the Midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities, connecting back into towns and villages. Following the successful completion of the planning process for these trails, Bord na Móna will apply for funding for their construction.
Cllr John Clendennen has welcomed the funding of €8.356 million from Fáilte Ireland for the development of four separate projects across Birr Municipal District.
Councillor Clendennen said, “This funding, co-financed by the Government and the EU, will enable Offaly County Council, Waterways Ireland and the Office of Public Works to advance their respective development plans for Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge and Birr.
“This initiative, jointly supported by the Government and the European Union, not only creates new job opportunities and boosts the local economy in Offaly, but also promotes biodiversity, supporting a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future.”
The funded projects align with our national move towards a low-carbon economy, consistent with the Programme for Government’s commitment to a Sustainable Tourism Policy, fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation in Offaly.
“We are already witnessing a significant impact in Offaly as these approved projects reflect broad representation across all counties in the region, with more developments on the horizon.
“I have been a strong advocate for many years regarding the importance of tourism development across Offaly. Tourism is crucial in diversifying income streams and enhancing employment prospects that are deeply connected to our local resources. By investing in tourism, we not only enhance recreational opportunities but also contribute to environmental conservation, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for our community.
“I eagerly anticipate the completion of these projects and the positive effects they will have on Offaly. It is important that all respective stakeholders remain regularly engaged with public representatives and local communities as this marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create a vibrant, sustainable future for all locals and visitors alike in the area,” Cllr Clendennen concluded.
Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill also welcomed the funding for Roscrea. Roscrea will benefit from an allocation of €2,976,548 towards upgrades within Roscrea Castle and €581,687 towards the design and planning for the regeneration of Castle Street. The Littleton Labyrinth project will also benefit as the Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile site has been included in the €3.6 million allocation to Bord na Móna’s trail development network.
The Fianna Fáil TD said: “I’m delighted to welcome the very significant funding that has been allocated to North Tipperary under Just Transition. Both Roscrea and Littleton have been included in the announcement today and these allocations will stand to greatly benefit their respective communities.”
With regards the Roscrea funding allocation, Deputy Cahill said “Cllr Michael Smith and I have been working very hard to deliver resources and funding for Roscrea. We’ve had a number of meetings with Ministerial colleagues, and I’m glad to see the very significant funding that has been awarded to Roscrea town, with over €3.5 million allocated to Roscrea projects today.
“Just shy of €3 million has been awarded to works and upgrades within Roscrea Castle, Damer House and the Heritage Centre, and over €580,000 has been allocated towards the regeneration of Castle Street. This is honouring the commitment Cllr Smith and I gave, that the Government wouldn’t be found wanting in delivering funding and resources to Roscrea town, and this funding allocation today comes as very welcome news.”
Minister of State Pippa Hackett welcomed the major funding for Clonmacnois and said it represents a wonderful opportunity, as long as it is backed up by further supports, as well as a real commitment to go the extra mile from all stakeholders involved.
“This funding has the potential to completely transform the visitor experience at Clonmacnoise, which is undoubtedly a hidden gem as a tourist location and as a site of unparalleled historical resonance and significance” said the Minister, who announced her candidacy for leadership of the Green Party this week.
“Alongside over €27 million in funding for various projects, with Shannonbridge Marina and William Street in Birr also receiving funding, there was also €3.6million funding for Bord na Móna to prepare for new walking and cycling trails; including one in Westmeath between Athlone and Ballinahown, one linking up the Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas, and another across West Offaly linking up Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to link up a variety of villages and attractions with a bigger town and accommodation base such as Athlone, with the potential for Birr and Tullamore to be properly connected in due course as well.
“It’s only by scaling up our ambitions that we can truly create something unique and harness the special range of amenities and attractions that exist in this area. That’s why the important thing now is not just to welcome the delivery of this funding for the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre, but also to make sure that this is backed up by a guarantee that the new trails will be extensive, fully connected, and built with users in mind – not just filling up the space that happens to be left over and is most convenient for Bord na Móna” she said.
The funding that was made available to the OPW for the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre was considerably larger than the next biggest allocation, which was over €3.2 million for various enhancements of Athlone Castle
Further projects that are still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months. Projects span three development categories, including feasibility and masterplans; product design and planning; and delivery and construction.
Fáilte Ireland also announced the inclusion of up to 85 tourism enterprises in its EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme, which is valued at up to €5.5million. A funding scheme for Private and Community SMEs to provide new and enhanced visitor experiences and low-carbon tourist accommodation remains open for applications until 30th June 2024, and announcements will be made on these awards later in the year.