Popular Laois craft brewery secures Just Transition funding

A popular craft brewery was among the three Laois projects to secure funding in the latest round of Just Transition. 

In total the three Laois projects secured funding of €384,256 with the largest award going to Rectory Park, who received €300,000 towards the “development of two two-bedroom universally accessible cottages with sensory rooms.”  

Ballykilcavan Brewing was awarded €18,256 towards the “conversion of storage space into a commercial kitchen for onsite food service and installing smart TVs with sound system in the visitor centre.” 

The third award of €66,000 went to Brielle House to “enhance visitor experience with improved accessibility through a resurfaced car park, accessible kitchen, bedroom upgrades, and AV equipment.”    

The were among 24 projects who  received over €3.6 million in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.

Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this is the third announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SE scheme. The final successful projects are expected to be announced under this scheme in September this year.

Laois TD Sean Fleming welcomed the announcement. “It is important that Laois continues to improve its tourism facilities which will encourage more people to come, visit and enjoy the county, stay here and support the local economy,” he said. 

He noted the projects approved for funding include improved accommodation facilities, onsite food services and improved accessibility.

“It is important that we improve facilities available to people who visit here and to promote the county to bring more people into the area and spend time here and enjoy Lovely Laois as part of their experience,” said Deputy Fleming. 

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: "This is another positive step towards sustainable tourism development in the midlands, and it is encouraging to see Government and EU investment in 24 more projects through Fáilte Ireland's EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. By investing in the development of the tourism offering in these counties, we will deliver long-term sustainable economic development and jobs in communities and businesses across the midlands for many years to come. I look forward to seeing these projects delivered over the next year and announcing the final projects under the programme in the coming weeks.”

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien said: “The announcement of these innovative and diverse projects signifies a further step in transforming the Midlands into a world-class sustainable tourism destination. This funding will enable these projects to showcase the unique cultural and natural assets of the region, while supporting economic development in local communities.” 

He said the development and expansion of these projects will ensure that the Midlands can provide memorable and vibrant tourism experiences for years to come.

According to CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly, "this €3.6 million investment will further strengthen the tourism offering across Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, supporting sustainable development and creating meaningful benefits for local communities, businesses, and visitors alike. As we near the conclusion of the evaluation process, we look forward to sharing details of the final group of approved projects after the summer.” 

He said collaboration with local stakeholders, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and strategic partners remained key to delivering the transformative initiatives and building a vibrant economic future for the midlands.

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A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly(EMRA) Clare Bannon said “As we see these new projects come to life, it is clear that investing in local and rural initiatives delivers real value for communities across the midlands. By supporting local people, we are laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future. These grants are not just an investment in tourism – they are an investment in the resilience and wellbeing of our towns and villages, ensuring that everyone benefits from new opportunities and shared prosperity.”