Tourism projects in the county receive €285,000 in funding
The Arigna Mining Experience.
Three tourism projects in the county have been awarded more than €285,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland.
Last Friday, Fáilte Ireland announced that 18 projects around the country, worth over €2.3 million, have been awarded funding under its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.
Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this is the third announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme.
The Arigna Mining Experience Ltd received €256,000 to integrate AR (augmented reality) in order to recreate historical mining scenes and develop a mobile app for personalised visitor experiences.
The Tulsk Action Group CLG was awarded €19,610 to upgrade the exhibitions and facilities at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.
A further €9,998 was awarded to Castlecoote’s Gone Fishing for the purchase of new equipment to enhance and improve the existing fishing visitor experience.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke welcomed the funding.
"I am pleased to see today's announcement of further investment in projects by Government and the European Union through Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme,” he said. “The EU Just Transition Fund schemes are delivering on supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands. I look forward to seeing these projects develop over the next year and to announce further successful projects for the Midlands over the coming weeks under this funding scheme.” Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien also welcomed the announcement.
"Regenerative Tourism is a key element of Ireland’s Just Transition Strategy, interlinking the decarbonisation of the economy with fostering a sense of place, and strengthening the social fabric of the region," he said. "These projects, which will deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, are key examples of the Regenerative Tourism development journey in the Midlands. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these projects across the Midlands region.”
