Investment boost for Irish attractions seeks to transform its tourism landscape

Grants of up to €2.5m (US$2.81m, £2.22m) are being made available for large-scale visitor attractions in Ireland, under a scheme that is intended to transform the country's tourism landscape.

The Platforms for Growth initiative from tourism development authority Fáilte Ireland will allocate €150m (US$168.9m, £132.9m) over the next three years. Grants are funded under the Irish Government's Project Ireland 2040 strategy, with the aim being to drive sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector.

Unlike previous investments, this initiative specifically targets projects, or "platforms", that have the greatest potential to grow tourism and fill gaps in Ireland's tourism offering, in order to meet changing visitor preferences.

The first platform focuses on developing Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions. Fáilte Ireland said that overseas visitors are increasingly looking for hands-on experiences that bring local culture and heritage to life.

A deadline of 17 July has been provided for expressions of interest in applying for the grants, with the criteria for success being stated as strategic importance, potential for economic growth, and job creation in communities across the country. Driving innovation and sustainability are also factors.

Paul Kelly, Fáilte Ireland's CEO, commented: "At Fáilte Ireland, we are currently working on over 50 large capital projects throughout Ireland that will significantly enhance the Irish tourism offering as they open in the coming four years.

"Platforms for Growth builds on this work and takes a new approach to investment, as it will specifically seek out projects of scale that tap into exactly what overseas visitors are looking for."

Fáilte Ireland said that it has already allocated more than €125m (US$140.7m, £110.7m) to tourism in Ireland since 2016, through its wider capital investment programme.