Fáilte Ireland has announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund.
And two Laois projects have been selected out of a total of 22 across the country.
The projects are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
€32 million is to be invested and almost €2 million of that is coming to Laois.
The Rock of Dunamase is to receive €1,796,592 in what is a substantial investment.
This money is to be used for ‘delivery of enhancements to the visitor experience at the Rock of Dunamase thorough delivery of carpark, facilities and interpretation’.
While €187,500 is going to Emo Court for an ‘options study for the development of Emo Court and Estate’.
Just across the border with Kildare, Athy is to receive €2,735,425.
This is to be spent on the ‘redevelopment and regeneration of Emily Square at the heart of Athy Town’.
While over the border on the other side with Tipperary, almost €3.5 million is to be invested in two projects.
€2,976,548 is to go to Roscrea for the ‘delivery of interpretation upgrade and introduction of new exhibitions within Roscrea Castle, Damer House, Heritage Centre, and landscaping works to the castle courtyard and garden’.
While a further €581,687 is to be spent on ‘detailed design and planning for the regeneration of Castle Street’.
22 projects have been approved for €27.1million investment under the scheme which include walking and cycling trails on former industrial peatlands, and investment in Local Authority and State Agency tourism and visitor experience projects.
Further projects that are still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Projects span three development categories, including feasibility and masterplans; product design and planning; and delivery and construction.
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.
Laois TD Sean Fleming said: “On behalf of the Government, I am pleased to announce this funding for the Rock of Dunamase and for Emo Court, for these two very important projects in County Laois.
“These are landmark national sites here in Laois, which are known throughout the country and internationally.
“The Rock of Dunamase and Emo Court both have a lot of historical significance for Laois, the Midlands and for the country.
“Everybody knows that the Rock of Dunamase needs better facilities, especially in car parking. This funding will support this and make this historical site more accessible for people to visit.
“This is very good news for Laois, all surrounding areas and tourists who will be able to visit this site with ease when the works are completed.
“I look forward to the delivery of these projects by Laois County Council at the Rock of Dunamase and by the OPW at Emo Court, as soon as possible.”
