Three County Roscommon tourism projects awarded funding
John Cunningham on a historic bicycle, which he renovated, taking a ride through Strokestown Park, which has been earmarked for €1.2 million in funding. Picture: Brian Farrell
Three tourism projects in County Roscommon are among 17 across the midlands that have been awarded over €5.5 million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
Irish Heritage Trust and Ballynure Cottage will receive almost €1.45 million under the scheme, while Roscommon County Council has been awarded €95,000 to conduct a feasibility study to develop a preliminary concept design for Termonbarry Riverside Park.
The latest grant approval brings the total funding announced for the tourism sector to almost €60 million across the scheme.
Irish Heritage Trust will be the recipient of a €1.2 million grant for the development of outdoor areas and trails to create an engaging and family-friendly visitor experience at Strokestown Park.
Ballynure Cottage — located at Carnagh West, Kiltoom — has been earmarked €249,000 for the delivery of two double bedrooms in a restored and extended mid-19th century famine-era cottage, creating a blend of modern and traditional living spaces.
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.
In addition to the €4.5 million in grant-aid to deliver 13 projects across three regenerative tourism development categories, 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.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD, welcomed the grand approval, adding the projects would play a vital role in supporting sustainable economic development and job creation across the midlands, alongside enhancing the region’s appeal to visitors from home and abroad.
“The projects announced highlight the significant opportunities that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can bring to the midlands — empowering communities, strengthening local economies, and delivering long-term benefits for tourism and enterprise.
"With almost €60 million now awarded under the scheme, this is a clear demonstration of Government and EU commitment to building a vibrant, resilient future for the region,” he said.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien, TD, highlighted that the projects were a vital step in unlocking the sustainable tourism potential of the region, in addition to providing economic and employment benefits to local communities.
CEO at Fáilte Ireland, Caroline Bocquel, vowed that the projects would 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.
“The projects announced highlight the significant opportunities that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can bring to the midlands — supporting economic resilience and competitiveness, empowering local businesses, and enhancing the region’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
“With this latest round of investment, the total funding awarded under the scheme now comes to almost €60 million — a significant milestone that reflects the impact this regenerative tourism scheme is making across the midlands,” she explained.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with local tourism businesses, communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), Government, and our strategic partners to deliver transformative projects that will shape a vibrant and sustainable future across the region.”
Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon welcomed Fáilte Ireland’s announcement and noted that the grants would support local communities and businesses, delivering real value and laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future across the region.
