Work on two community tourism projects in East Galway will begin in early 2027, Galway County Council has confirmed.
The council is managing the delivery of the Aughrim Climate Action Park and the Shannon Bank Eco Park Development in Esker, which have secured a combined €820,427 under the EU Just Transition Fund START Programme.
The projects are being led by Galway County Council’s Tourism Team and supported locally by the Shannon Bank Eco Park Trustees Committee in Esker and the Rev John Godfrey in Aughrim.
The funding, co-financed by the Government and the European Union, was announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien.
The Aughrim project has been allocated €502,315 for the rehabilitation of 1.7 hectares of agricultural land and its conversion into a climate-resilient community amenity.
The development will include measures to enhance biodiversity and provide a public amenity for the village and surrounding area.
The Shannon Bank project has secured €318,112 for sustainable infrastructure, accessibility improvements, biodiversity measures and environmental education facilities.
Planned works include solar photovoltaic panels with battery storage, energy-efficiency upgrades to existing facilities, improvements to the car park, bicycle parking and the replacement of diesel-powered maintenance equipment. Outdoor learning pods and further biodiversity enhancements are also planned.
Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District, Cllr Evelyn Parsons, said the confirmation of the anticipated start date was positive news for the area.
“These projects represent an important investment in sustainable tourism, community amenities and climate action across East Galway.
“Both have the potential to enhance the visitor experience, support local communities and further develop East Galway as an attractive destination. It is particularly encouraging to see local community groups taking the lead in projects that will deliver lasting benefits for their areas.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council, said the local authority was working with the community representatives to bring both developments to construction.
“Galway County Council is pleased to be managing these two projects and working alongside the local groups who have driven them forward.
“With funding now secured, the focus is on progressing the necessary preparations to allow works to commence in early 2027. Both developments will provide valuable new amenities while strengthening the tourism offering in East Galway and supporting the protection of our natural environment.”
EU Just Transition Fund Activator for Galway, Loretta Raftery, said the projects demonstrated the potential of community-led investment to create sustainable tourism opportunities.
“Both projects have been developed with strong local ambition and a clear focus on sustainability. The investment will help create new experiences for visitors while improving facilities and amenities for the communities themselves.
“The JTF Tourism Activator will play an important role in coordinating the delivery of these projects, providing business support services and helping to maximise the longer-term opportunities arising from this investment.”
The latest allocations build on the tourism investment secured in the Ballinasloe Municipal District in early 2026, when six regenerative tourism projects received funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
