Kildare Town is set to receive a major funding boost under a major new Fáilte Ireland initiative, Martin Heydon, Kildare South TD and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party has said.
The funding has been allocated through the Local Authorities as part of the €15.5million ‘Destination Towns’ initiative launched earlier this year by the National Tourism Development Authority.
Up to €500,000 per local authority will be allocated in two rounds by Fáilte Ireland to boost the attractiveness and tourism appeal of towns nationwide.
The process of identifying the towns that receive funding commenced in mid-2019 and was led by the Local Authorities in consultation with Fáilte Ireland.
Deputy Heydon said: “I am very pleased to see Kildare Town receive this funding to help drive tourism locally.
“Fáilte Ireland research consistently shows that attractive towns and cities are key motivators for overseas holidaymakers coming to Ireland.
“With this in mind the new scheme will provide funding to Kildare County Council to enhance public spaces such as squares, streetscapes and markets in a way that will engage tourists and enhance their experience in key towns.
“This could include spaces for food and craft markets, areas for town centre events, public art displays as well as orientation and signage to help visitors explore a town’s local heritage.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin said: “The investment awarded to the towns across Ireland today reinforces the Government and Fáilte Ireland’s commitment to growing the tourism sector and the benefits it brings to regions throughout Ireland.
“I’m delighted to see Fáilte Ireland and the Local Authorities continuing to work hand-in-glove to ensure towns nationwide can fulfil their tourism potential.”