Longford tourism projects approved for major investment

A number of exciting Longford tourism projects, including Clondra Village Enhancements, Corlea Iron Age Roadway & Visitor Centre, Lanesboro Amphitheatre and the Royal Canal Greenway visitor experience, have been approved for investment under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.

22 projects, in the eight counties in the EU Just Transition Fund geographic territory, are to receive €27.1million investment grant-aid in first round of investment approval, while 85 tourism businesses will participate in a €5.5million Digital Transformation Programme.

Community SMEs Funding scheme will close for expressions of interest on June 30, 2024.
The projects include walking and cycling trails on former industrial peatlands, and investment in Local Authority and State Agency tourism and visitor experience projects.

Local Authority and State Agency Schemes

Working closely with Local Authorities and state agencies including the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing, Waterways Ireland and Coillte, Fáilte Ireland has approved investment for €23.5million to deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.  

l €370,000 - Clondra Village Enhancements: Delivery of enhancements to the public realm and outdoor visitor facilities in Clondra village and provide better connection with neighbouring Tarmonbarry through safer cycling and walking routes.
l €262,500 - Corlea Iron Age Roadway & Visitor Centre (Office of Public Works): Options study to improve the visitor experience at Corlea Visitor Centre including conservation and presentation options for the Iron Age Roadway
l €150,000 - Lanesboro Amphitheatre: Detailed design and planning for the development of Lanesboro Amphitheatre
l €84,000 - Clondra to Tarmonbarry cycleway scheme: Feasibility to assess linking Clondra and Tarmonbarry through an off-road cyclepath
l €487,500 - Longford, Westmeath and Kildare: Royal Canal Greenway (Waterways Ireland): Delivery of the Royal Canal Greenway visitor experience development, including, Greenway animation and interpretation

Trail Development Scheme

As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6million towards the creation of up to 79km* of new walking and cycling trails, across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank in the following areas:
l Longford - between Lanesboro and Cloondara
l Roscommon - between Tarmonbarry and Roosky
l Westmeath – between Athlone and Ballinahown
l Offaly East – between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas
l Offaly West – around Clonmacnois, Ballinahown and Lough Boora
l Tipperary - between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile

The trail development network focuses on developing and repurposing former industrial peatlands to support a network of universally accessible cyclable and walkable trails that will add to, and connect with, existing trails. The ambition for this connected trail network will be to firmly establish the Midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities, connecting back into towns and villages. Following the successful completion of the planning process for these trails, Bord na Móna will apply for funding for their construction.
Welcoming the announcement, Head of Land & Habitats at Bord na Móna, Ger Breen said: “Bord na Móna is pleased to be a beneficiary of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The sites selected for these trails will deliver benefits for the wider community through developing new trails across the Bord na Móna landbank as well as connecting up existing trails as part of the trail development network. This will give the local community as well as visitors better connectivity between the trails and the surrounding towns, villages, visitor experiences and future developments. We look forward to working with our partners in Fáilte Ireland, and the Local Authorities in Offaly, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath and Tipperary in delivering these trails.”

Senator Micheál Carrigy said ‘we are already witnessing a significant impact in Longford as these approved projects’, adding that tourism is crucial in diversifying income streams and enhancing employment prospects that are deeply connected to our local resources.

He added, “By investing in tourism, we not only enhance recreational opportunities but also contribute to environmental conservation, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for our community. I eagerly anticipate the completion of these projects and the positive effects they will have on Longford. This marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create a vibrant, sustainable future for all locals and visitors alike in the area.”