| Case Studies MILLGRANGE SELF-CATERING APARTMENTS, Don & Mary Brassil, Greenore The Brassils’ first grant of approximately €40,000 was used for the development of one self-catering unit/accommodation in the Cooley Peninsula. They subsequently applied again under the new rounds of LEADER funding to refurbish an old farm building into a cluster of self-catering units. Don described how the Leader funding helped them progress the self-catering business: "Since I retired I have decided to renovate derelict farm buildings, preserving the old stone in the process. I began work on Phase 1 of the project in the summer of 2000 and converted one of the buildings attached to our farmhouse into a one-bedroom 4-star self-catering apartment. I have also converted an old corn barn into a three-bedroom 4-star self-catering unit with grant aid from Louth LEADER, and the new facility opened for the 2003 summer season."
This farm diversification project at the Larney’s farm outside Tallanstown comprises the restoration and development of an existing old stone yard and buildings into three self-catering units, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, and a multi-purpose activity room. The Larneys are excited by their new venture and focused on providing a high standard of accommodation: "This new undertaking will enhance the quality of our own and other people’s lives. It will enable us to generate an alternative source of income from our farm. We are looking forward to offering peaceful country breaks, where a warm welcome awaits and hope that when guests return home they are feeling relaxed, rested and more able to get on with their everyday affairs."
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