First phase of capital grants launched for Ireland’s Ancient East – Butler

Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Ray Butler, has said that there has been great progress on the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative and has encouraged local groups and businesses to apply for the first phase of capital grants to develop visitor experiences. Deputy Butler was speaking on receipt of an update on the project from Fáilte Ireland.

“I have received correspondence from Fáilte Ireland in relation to the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative, which I am pleased to say is making great progress, with the first phase of capital grants launched now.

“The ‘New Ideas in Ancient Spaces’ Capital Grants Scheme’ is designed to encourage the development of compelling visitor experiences throughout Ireland’s Ancient East, intended for projects which will be ready to deliver by June 2016. Fáilte Ireland specifies that in order to qualify for the funding the projects should: be easy and enjoyable to explore; feature heritage experiences that are memorable because they tell their story so well; and involve stories told at individual heritage sites that ‘link to other sites across the region and to an overall timeline, building to a unique, fascinating and enriching journey through 5000 years of European history’.

“Anyone wishing to apply for the funding can request an application form from [email protected]/* */. Fáilte Ireland is encouraging applicants to discuss their potential project with them at the earliest possible stage of development before submitting an application. This is a great help to anyone developing a project. Completed applications must be submitted by 12 Noon on Monday July 13th 2015 to [email protected]/* */. Further grant schemes will follow this first phase.

“Ireland’s Ancient East was launched to 270 international buyers at the Fáilte Ireland annual trade fair, Meitheal in April, and I am told that the feedback has been very positive since then. Indeed a number of overseas buyers confirmed to feature the initiative in their travel programmes for 2016 so this is a great start. The Fáilte Ireland team responsible for Ireland’s Ancient East has met with over 600 stakeholders in the eastern region through a series of workshops and presentations on the new initiative, with more workshops scheduled for June.

“Initiatives like Ireland’s Ancient East are crucial to helping to promote our tourism offering in Meath. We have seen the success of the Wild Atlantic Way for the west coast and that is what we want to replicate here in order to promote all we have to offer in terms of history, heritage and culture.”