Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed the allocation of €253,200 for the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre and Shannonbridge Marina. This comes as part of the first projects under Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
Fáilte Ireland has announced 22 approved investment grants for projects, which are being delivered as part of it's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023 to 2026, co-funded by the Government and the EU.
Included in the €27.1million investment is the provision of €103,200 for Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre, as well as €150,000 for Shannonbridge Marina.
Minister Rabbitte commented; “A just transition is about leaving nobody behind, as we move to a more sustainable future. I welcome the funding of €103,200 in particular today for the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre, which is for the feasibility, concept development and a detailed design for the enhancement of the visitor experience. It will undoubtedly be transformative and much needed for Aughrim.
“People in Galway East will also be very familiar with Shannonbridge, and in that regard, I welcome €150,000 for the expansion of the capacity of the marina at Shannonbridge.
“As a Minister in rural Galway, it’s important to see initiatives supporting carbon neutral local infrastructure, which are accessible to all. Such investment ultimately makes our communities more attractive places to live, work and visit.
“These projects mark the first steps in the regenerative tourism development journey in the area. Investing in sustainable tourism will not only generate local jobs but is also a step further in positioning these communities as attractive tourist destinations in the heart of Ireland.
“I will also remind people that Fáilte Ireland is also announcing the inclusion of up to 85 tourism enterprises in its EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme, which is valued at up to €5.5million. A funding scheme for Private and Community SMEs to provide new and enhanced visitor experiences and low-carbon tourist accommodation remains open for applications until June 30, 2024, and I encourage people to apply. Announcements will be made on these awards later in the year,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
