East Galway has been given a major boost, with six regenerative tourism projects in the area securing fresh investment under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme.
Co-funded by the Government and the EU Just Transition Fund and co-administered locally by Galway County Council, the funding will support new visitor experiences, low-carbon accommodation and local job creation, while protecting and enhancing the environment.
Funding has been awarded to Shannon Bank Park in Esker, Brackloon Castle in Clonfert, the Sustainable Food and Wellbeing Academy in Williamstown, Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD), Galway’s Living Bog in Mountbellew and the Old Mill Visitor Centre in Ahascragh.
The projects will also receive business support services through the Tourism Activator Scheme, delivered by the local authority under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr David Collins, said the strong engagement from SMEs and community groups shows the appetite for tourism development in East Galway.
He noted how regenerative tourism projects will boost local economies, support communities and bring long‑term benefits for visitors and the environment by restoring nature, protecting heritage and strengthening links between visitors and local people.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said Galway County Council supported more than 35 organisations through the application process, providing mentoring, training and technical advice.
He continued, “This investment backs high quality, place-based projects and reflects a continued commitment to building a strong tourism offering in the region.”
EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Activator for Galway, Loretta Raftery, said the announcement marks a key milestone for Ballinasloe MD, which is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand.
“Having worked closely with successful applicants under the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs, I wish to acknowledge the significant effort involved in developing projects and navigating the application process,” she added.
“The JTF is an important first step in the district’s tourism development and has sparked strong local interest.”
Almost €60 million has now been announced under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, including €16 million in grant‑aid for 85 private and community SME projects and €26 million for Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes.
A further €9.4 million has been awarded to BnaM to develop accessible trails across suitable parts of its land bank within the EU JTF territory, with more investment expected.
The scheme also supports 82 businesses in the Tourism Learning Network Programme, 66 participants in the Digital Transformation Programme and 8 Tourism Activators across the territory.
Gráinne Cornally, Head of Just Transition at Fáilte Ireland, said the diverse range of Galway projects funded through the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme shows how the programme is improving the visitor experience and creating new opportunities across the Midlands.
“The investment highlights the impact of the EU JFT on rural tourism. Fáilte Ireland looks forward to seeing the projects delivered in partnership with local businesses, communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and other strategic partners.”
