Friday, 08 August 2025
Westmeath has secured €630,000 in funding for four tourism projects under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund. This latest funding round is aimed at supporting private and community-based SMEs, and forms part of a broader strategy to drive sustainable rural tourism across the Midlands.
This marks the third tranche of allocations under the scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. So far, over €13.4 million has been allocated to tourism development projects in counties including Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Roscommon, and parts of Galway, Kildare, and Tipperary.
Four diverse projects in Westmeath have been approved for funding:
Deravarra Farm Lake Lodges: Awarded €300,000 to develop two self-catering lakefront units aimed at increasing rural accommodation capacity.
Fore Distillery Ltd: Received €51,320 to enhance the visitor experience through interpretation panels, interactive displays, and an upgraded car park with accessible spaces.
Greville Arms Hotel: Granted €268,634 for the installation of a lift to improve accessibility and inclusivity for guests.
Hightown Forest Camp and Farm: Allocated €9,770 to support infrastructure development and purchase equipment for guided tours and educational workshops.
Tourism development in the Irish Midlands is critically important for several interconnected economic, social, and environmental reasons, particularly in the context of the region’s transition away from traditional industries like peat extraction. Here’s a detailed explanation of why tourism development matters so much in the Irish Midlands:
Economic Transition from Peat
The Midlands are shifting away from peat-based industries, which once provided major employment. Tourism offers a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to support local economies, replacing lost jobs and creating new opportunities for rural communities.
Balanced Regional Growth
Tourism in Ireland is heavily concentrated on the coasts and in major cities. Developing tourism in the Midlands helps distribute visitors more evenly, reduces pressure on over-touristed areas, and supports inclusive growth across the country.
Showcasing Natural and Cultural Assets
The Midlands offer rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and rural traditions that are underutilised. Tourism allows these assets to be preserved and promoted in ways that generate income while fostering community pride and environmental stewardship.
Supporting Sustainable, Community-Led Tourism
Tourism in the Midlands can be a model for low-impact, regenerative development. It encourages local entrepreneurship, protects biodiversity, and enhances quality of life for both residents and visitors, all while contributing to Ireland’s climate goals.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, highlighted the importance of these investments:
“These projects – from lake lodges and eco-camping to hotel upgrades and visitor experience enhancements – will help boost our tourism sector and bring more visitors to the county.”
He added that the funding supports local jobs, increases visitor footfall, and strengthens Westmeath’s position as a unique rural destination. More funding rounds are expected, with the next announcements anticipated in September 2025.
The EU Just Transition Fund aims to assist regions transitioning from carbon-intensive activities, such as peat extraction, to more sustainable economic models. The Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, delivered by Fáilte Ireland under this programme, specifically focuses on:
Supporting tourism businesses and communities affected by the transition away from peat.
Developing sustainable tourism infrastructure and experiences that align with environmental, cultural, and economic priorities.
Creating and maintaining jobs in the Midlands through tourism-led regeneration.
According to Fáilte Ireland, the scheme is designed to ‘deliver a more diversified, sustainable and resilient regional economy and tourism sector’.
These Westmeath projects exemplify how small and medium-sized tourism operators can play a key role in regenerating rural economies. From improved accessibility in hotels to new lakeside lodgings and immersive heritage experiences, the funded projects aim to enhance both visitor satisfaction and local community wellbeing.
Minister Burke concluded:
“By investing in the development of small rural businesses and expanding the tourism offering in Westmeath and across the region, we are securing long-term, sustainable economic growth and critical local employment.”
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