Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan announced yesterday that he has given sanction for Comhar na nOileán Teo to approve funding of €200,000 to Brú Dhún Aonghusa, Cill Mhuirbhi, Inis Mór, Árainn, Co Galway.
The Rural Development Funding is sought for the development of a three star 40 bed hostel at Inis Mór, Árainn under the measure Encouragement of Tourism Activities.
The development of this hostel is addressing an identified gap in the market and will provide high quality, low cost accommodation to families, young people, outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.
Announcing the funding Minister Hogan said: “This project will be of immense benefit to Inis Mór with its total project costs of €277,778. The area of cultural and adventure tourism is growing on Inis Mór. This hostel will be a great addition to the accommodation that is currently available on the island. This facility will provide an additional 40 beds which will attract more visitors to the island.”
The LEADER elements of the programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.
The Minister added the “the project will now go back to the board of Comhar na nOileán Teo for the final approval on the project. This is in line with the EU’s ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development”.
