Applications: Deadline for applications is Friday 22 August 2025, 12:00pm noon.
• €10 million for a ‘2025 Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ under the EU Just Transition Fund
• This will support the development of two bioeconomy pilot and demonstration projects in the ‘Designated Territories’ of the Midlands, which includes the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon, and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (Co. Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth (Co. Kildare), and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co. Tipperary).
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish TD, today announced the opening of a second call for proposals for bioeconomy pilot and demonstration projects under the EU Just Transition Fund.
The bioeconomy involves the use of renewable and sustainable biomass from agriculture and forestry to produce alternative products reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing resource efficiency. The ‘Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ is designed to pilot and demonstrate the ‘bioeconomy in action’ within the designated territories under the fund. The scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.
In making the announcement, Minister Heydon stated: “I am delighted to announce the opening of this €10 million Call for Proposals for Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiatives. The focus of this initiative is to accelerate the commercialisation of bio-based innovation and solutions, such as developing biochar products to promote its use in agriculture and industry, for innovative bio-based food and feed ingredients, for biobased materials for the construction sector and for bio-based value chains for valorisation of sustainable crops. The fund seeks to scale up breakthrough demonstration activities, that will be particularly beneficial for the farming community and for agri-food industries by enabling diversification of value streams, adding value to farm residues, strengthening the role of primary producers in the value chain, and generating new jobs in rural areas.”
Minister for the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, commented:
“Investment in the bioeconomy offers a valuable opportunity for Ireland to leverage its natural resources to provide a just transition to a carbon-neutral economy. This initiative aims to empower the Midlands to become a leader in the development of Ireland’s bioeconomy, simultaneously promoting economic growth while reducing carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. I anticipate that the projects funded by the Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative will showcase the diversity and scale of the potential opportunities in this rapidly growing sector”.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD, remarked:
“This funding for bioeconomy demonstration initiatives will build on previously funded research and innovation of more than €40 million in the bioeconomy by my Department. With these building blocks now in place, it is critical that we move those bioeconomy innovations from the research lab to scaled up demonstration level. This will help the agri-food system to become more circular, sustainable, and resilient.”
Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, Clare Bannon, said:
“The overarching priority of the fund is to diversify the local economy, which means deploying the resourcefulness of the Midlands, in this case through environmental innovation. The Bioeconomy has the potential to create new high value revenue streams using sustainable materials sourced from the natural environment. This is an important step towards making a sustainable future economically viable”.
Applications must be submitted online through Application Submission Portal – Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine with a closing date of 08.08.2025 at 12pm
Nearly half of respondents have a vested interest in wetland restoration, with 10% of those acknowledging that restoration may have potential impacts on traditional livelihoods and impact turf cutters and bog contractors.
Thursday, 22 May 2025, Ireland: New research unveiled today at the Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands conference reveals a strong public interest in wetlands and insights into the way we interact with them.
The RED C research, commissioned by the Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project, offers timely insights into Irish attitudes toward wetlands, restoration benefits, and the perceived impact on rural livelihoods.
The findings were presented during a lively day of discussions and community engagement at the conference, where the opening address from John Feehan explored the role of ecological processes for the future of wetlands. The event brought together policymakers, ecologists, landowners, contractors, and local voices to explore the path ahead for wetlands in the Midlands. Held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, the event opened with a ‘Wake Up to the Bog’ walk and featured keynote addresses from representatives of the European Commission and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar Project representatives and a range of community voices such as Abbeyleix Bog Project, Women in Nature Restoration and the Tóchar Fens Restoration project.
Welcoming the research, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:
“Through the Tóchar Project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is restoring vital wetlands not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure that communities who have long been dependent on peatlands are part of a fair and inclusive transition. I am delighted that the NPWS is supporting initiatives like Tóchar that combine social equity with environmental stewardship. The research being launched today highlights the deep connection Irish people feel to our wetlands and underscores the public’s growing support for nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges. We need to ensure that meeting these challenges delivers climate action benefits while preserving livelihoods and our heritage.”
Speaking about the research, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“The restoration of Ireland’s wetlands is a vital step in protecting our natural heritage and tackling climate change. These ecosystems are at the heart of our biodiversity and play a crucial role in flood management, carbon storage, and sustaining rural communities. Through the Tóchar Project, we are not just restoring landscapes, we are strengthening the connection between people and nature. This initiative ensures that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities who have relied on these lands for generations. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods can thrive side by side.”
This research was commissioned to better understand how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration and this was a key topic of discussion throughout the event. The findings reinforced many of the themes raised during panel discussions and storytelling sessions, such as “Stories from the Community” and “The Irish Perspective: Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future”, where local peat contractors, landowners, and ecologists shared their lived experiences and aspirations for the transition.
It’s clear that while there is strong support for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, we also need to acknowledge and address the concerns of rural communities whose lives and traditions are closely tied to these landscapes. This insight will help shape how we engage with the public and deliver the project in a way that’s inclusive and informed.
Key research findings include:
The Tóchar Project, a three-year initiative managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is dedicated to restoring these vital landscapes across the Midlands.
Ireland’s wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. However, many of these fragile ecosystems have been degraded over time.
The Tóchar project is focusing on restoring degraded wetlands in Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, working closely with local communities to ensure a just transition.
Commenting on the project launch, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said:
“Tóchar represents a key opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the restoration and protection of Irish wetlands. In addition to their cultural and historic importance, wetlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration, functioning as a long-term carbon sink. Supporting sustainable land-use initiatives such as Tóchar will be essential to achieving our climate goals and ensuring a just transition away from a fossil fuel-dependent landscape. I look forward to seeing the full potential of this innovative scheme.”
Shirley Clerkin, Tóchar Project Manager, stresses the importance of collaboration:
“The research shows that wetland restoration is about more than just conservation; it’s about people and their ongoing relationship with their environment. The survey results demonstrate an understanding of wetland ecosystem benefits but also show where we need to work together to enhance and build capacity for wetland restoration in the midlands. By working with communities, landowners, and peat contractors we can create a legacy of sustainable living, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection that benefits everyone.“
Clare Bannon, A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA):
“As the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, EMRA recognises the profound impact that the EU Just Transition Fund programme has on the communities and environment in the wider Midlands. This research commissioned by the Tóchar project, is valuable to understanding how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration. This insight will be integral in shaping how Tóchar can ensure that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that is inclusive and well-informed. Our goal is to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods thrive side by side, adopting a deep connection between people and their natural heritage.”
The day closed with a ‘Rejuvenation Bog Walk’, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the landscapes that are the focus of Ireland’s wetland restoration movement.
No Repro fee
22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
No Repro fee
22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
No Repro fee
22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
No Repro fee
22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
· The Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project to be launched on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ in Shinrone, Offaly.
· It is one of the projects funded in the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
· As part of the project, Green Restoration Ireland is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community as to how to access new income streams from peatlands, in particular abandoned cutover.
· Anyone with an interest is encouraged to book training with the project or get in touch to find out more about surveys and other services.
Peatlands have been very much in the headlines of late with a lot of concern in the farming community about the possible imposition of conditions for agricultural peat grasslands. But what if you could actually ‘restore’ damaged and degrading peatlands by reclamation for agriculture, generating income from lands with no financial potential? How is this even possible? Well, this is what the new Peatlands for Prosperity project is proposing – the key difference lies in the approach.
The launch of the Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project, funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Programme and run by Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) took place on Wednesday, 21st May. This was held at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ on the Regan farm in Gortavally, Shinrone, Offaly. This is the site of Ireland’s first on-farm Paludiculture trials and will be one of the two main venues for the project. The second demonstration farm is located in Ferbane, County Offaly.
Of the launch of the project, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. remarked:
“We welcome this opportunity to support this innovative project. Management of farmed peatlands through paludiculture is a valuable opportunity to support the transition towards climate-neutrality and encourage biodiversity, while also facilitating the diversification and modernisation of the economy of the Territory for the benefit of impacted communities.
“Peatlands for Prosperity demonstrates an environmentally sustainable solution to the challenges of the cessation of peat extraction in the Midlands, placing the welfare and wellbeing of the farming community at its core. This project represents the necessary shift towards environmentally conscious land use while enabling farmers to access new potential sources of revenue. We look forward to witnessing the impact and influence of this project on future initiatives.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. also stated:
“As Minister for Agriculture, I recognise the importance of working with farmers with peat soils in generating an income for their families. A key element of the Peatlands for Prosperity initiative is the provision of hands-on support for farmers. Providing farmers with the right tools, in the right place, at the right time are critical to ensuring an economic and environmentally sustainable Irish agriculture sector. I look forward to seeing the outputs of this project and wish all involved great success.”
Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said:
“The EU Just Transition Fund supports innovative approaches to developing the territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality.
“The Peatlands for Prosperity project is about developing alternative income streams for farmers while contributing to the restoration of peatlands.”
A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Clare Bannon said:
“The prosperity of the wider Midland region is closely tied to sustainable agriculture. The Peatlands for Prosperity project is an excellent example of innovative approaches that preserve the region’s unique environment and while supporting economic opportunities for local farmers.
“The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, is delighted to work with Pobal in administering grant aid directly from the European Union to projects that stem from the ingenuity of our local communities – in the first scheme of its kind. Projects like Peatlands for Prosperity highlights how financial supports that directly target regional and local innovative entities can transform regional development and improve the livelihoods of our communities.”
Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:
“The Peatlands for Prosperity project delivered by Green restoration Ireland which is trialling new farming practices such as paludiculture to help counter biodiversity loss and introduce farmers to a “new” sustainable agriculture, is an excellent example of the innovative initiatives that organisations, communities and enterprises across the Midlands are undertaking under the Just Transition Programme. It is one of 44 projects being supported under the Fund and we have been impressed with the uniqueness of a range of such initiatives being piloted that attempt to build new skills, generate jobs, and diversify the economy while contributing towards the transition to a low carbon economy.”
Dr Doug McMillan, General Manager of GRI said:
“With the Peatlands for Prosperity project, Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community. Participating farmers can avail of comprehensive, no-cost surveys to assess their peatland’s potential for carbon payments, Paludiculture crops and establishment of paludiculture crops. The project also offers free on-farm training delivered at the pioneer farms in County Offaly to demonstrate how to successfully manage your peatlands and unlock new income streams.”
Paludiculture Pays Four Times Over!
‘Paludiculture (wetland agriculture) is the productive land use of wet and rewetted peatlands that preserves the peat soil and thereby minimizes CO2 emissions and subsidence.’ (A definition of paludiculture in the CAP – Wetlands International Europe)
A veritable silver bullet, if done right Paludiculture has the potential to pay four times over:
1. Firstly in the form of carbon payments from raising the water table to lock in carbon and avoid carbon emissions as outlined in the new Peatland Standard for Ireland (Peatland Standard for Ireland — Peatland Finance Ireland);
2. In the form of payments for the crops and raw materials produced;
3. Where this is done on existing agricultural land it conserves the peat soils for future generations of farmers (drained peat soils are lost at an average rate of 1 cm a year); and
4. Lastly, it pays in co-benefits of enhanced biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem services that arise from healthy peatlands providing climate resilience for agriculture and contributing to national and EU objectives for climate, green growth, biodiversity and water quality, so reducing costly fines for the country as a whole. Payment for these additional ecosystem services are an integral part of carbon payments outlined in the Irish Peatland Standard.
A Paludiculture First for Ireland
With paludiculture, peatlands are kept productive under raised water tables making it a blueprint for carbon farming of peaty soils by simultaneously allowing agricultural cultivation (or forestry) to produce food, feed, biomass and other raw materials.
At the Regan ‘Showroom’, a full cross-section of crops suited to wetter conditions have been trialled including grasses, fruits, herbs, vegetables, commercial timber species and crops for construction, fibres and other raw materials that can develop the circular bio-economy. A key project aim is to show farmers a range of the most lucrative crops to choose from and help them transition to these new agricultural systems.
The event on the day will include a tour of these new crops and other carbon farming measures, short presentations and the finest in Irish farm hospitality!
Access Farm Services & Training Courses
If you are a peatland farmer, farm advisor or just have an interest and want to book your training or would like to find out more about the programme then please contact GRI at doug@greenrestorationireland.coop or call Doug at 087 9678 372.
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21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
No Repro fee
21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
No Repro fee
21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Group shot of farmers and peatland experts, European Commission and Government representatives at the Regan farm Paludiculture ‘showroom’ for the launching of the Peatlands for Prosperity project.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee
The Tóchar project, funded by the EU Just Transition Fund, is holding a launch event of their project activities and are inviting people to register.
The event “Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands” is taking place on Thursday 22 May in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois from 9:15-4:30pm.
Please use the below link and RSVP by 2pm Monday, 19 May to confirm your attendance. You can also confirm if you would like to participate in one or both of the bog walks: EVENT REGISTRATION LINK.
To see the full invite with further details on speakers, or if you have any questions or issues registering please email: tocharwetlands@carrcommunications.ie.
Thursday, 27 March 2025, Dublin, Ireland: The Tóchar Wetlands Restoration Project is a three-year initiative dedicated to wetland restoration, research, and community collaboration co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Its mission is to restore, research, and engage with communities to enable wetland conservation.
Ireland’s midlands are home to a diverse range of wetlands, including bogs, fens, marshes, rivers, lakes, and ponds. These landscapes play a crucial role in the country’s ecology, supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and sustaining local communities. However, many of these wetlands have been degraded over time, and urgent restoration efforts are required to protect their future.
Managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar is part of Ireland’s Just Transition journey towards climate neutrality. Through a €12 million investment, the project aims to restore degraded wetlands across the midlands and surrounding counties, enhancing biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.
Christoper O’Sullivan, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity commented:
“The Tóchar Project is an exciting and essential initiative in Ireland’s journey toward nature restoration and sustainability. Wetlands are not only vital for biodiversity and climate resilience, but they are also deeply embedded in the cultural and economic heritage of our rural communities. This project represents a balanced approach to conservation, ensuring that we protect these precious ecosystems while working closely with local communities to support a fair and just transition.”
The EU Just Transition Area, which includes the counties Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, has been selected as the focus for these restoration efforts. Initial projects that are set to get underway include:
Shirley Clerkin, Tóchar Project Manager, highlights the importance of community participation:
“We hope that communities will get involved in Tóchar. We want to hear their stories about the landscape so that we can work together to restore and protect these unique wetlands. By restoring degraded wetlands, we can foster sustainable living, community pride, and a renewed relationship with nature, ensuring a climate-conscious legacy of biodiversity and resilience for generations to come.”
Tóchar is committed to fostering strong relationships between local communities and their natural landscapes. Community knowledge and experience are invaluable in understanding and preserving wetlands. The project team is actively reaching out to individuals and groups across the Just Transition area to listen to their stories and collaborate on restoration efforts.
By restoring wetlands, Tóchar will provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The project aims to demonstrate how landscape restoration goes hand in hand with social transition, ensuring that nature conservation benefits both people and biodiversity.
For more information about the Tóchar Project, to find out what is happening in your area, or to explore opportunities for collaboration, please visit www.tocharwetlands.ie or follow us on Instagram @wetlandsrestoration.
Friday, 28 February 2025, Ireland: A new partnership has been established between Tóchar, an EU Just Transition Fund wetlands restoration project led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Lions Club a voluntary organisation, who give their time freely to serve their community through support and aid. The partnership will support wetlands restoration projects at a community level, harnessing local knowledge and expertise. This was announced today at the Lions Club National Convention in Tullamore. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year.
Under the partnership, €250,000 per year will be allocated for 2025 and 2026, to support restoration projects identified by Lions Clubs. They will manage the restoration of the wetlands and will be guided by Tóchar’s expertise. There is knowledge and expertise within the Lions Club memberships to deliver on these projects. One club which has already demonstrated this leadership is the Tullamore Lions Club, who undertook nature restoration works at Clonbeale More Bog in 2024.
The projects that result from this partnership will complement the wetland sites that have already been submitted to Tóchar by members of the public, including landowners and communities in its initial open call for expressions of interest in 2024.
Shirley Clerkin from Tóchar said:
“We are delighted to have the Lions Clubs on board in this collaboration to deliver nature benefits across the Just Transition region, this includes the counties of – Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary and Westmeath. Wetlands are good for the environment, filtering water, providing oxygen, and as places of tranquility and peacefulness. The restoration and reparation of nature is a step on the journey towards sustainability and a new kind of nature positivity, bringing tangible outcomes for health and community. It’s right that the Lions Clubs can play a meaningful role in this transformation.”
The midlands of Ireland host a broad diversity of freshwater wetlands such as marshes, fens, bogs, rivers, callows, lakes and ponds, each playing a crucial role in the country’s ecology. Some of these biodiverse areas are unique to Ireland and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Michael Carroll from the Tullamore Lions Clubs said:
“This partnership with Tóchar allows us to expand our commitment to serving local communities. By working together this can have a real impact by restoring nature which benefits local areas by enhancing biodiversity in those regions. We encourage our clubs across the regions to get involved in this important initiative and look forward to working with the Tóchar team on the approved projects.”
Tóchar’s approach to wetlands restoration is based on inclusivity, aiming to strengthen and support communities while restoring natural habitats. Tóchar is a three-year wetlands restoration project, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. It is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
To find out more about Tóchar visit www.tocharwetlands.ie or follow us on Instagram @wetlandsrestoration and @tocharstories and find us on Linked In and Facebook as Tóchar Wetlands Restoration.
For Lions Clubs or members looking to get involved please contact the Tullamore Lions Club at carrollm2016@gmail.com.
Minister Darragh O’Brien has announced the award of almost €6 million of Community Support Funding to 10 community-led projects in the Midlands under the EU Just Transition Fund Programme.
The projects were awarded through a third competitive call for proposals in the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme (LRESSS). LRESSS is co-funded by the government and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund programme.
This call was aimed at funding Local Economic and Community Plans to provide new employment opportunities, for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat extraction. It provides targeted support to projects that will boost resilience of communities and the economic fabric of the wider Midlands.
The projects approved for funding will deliver significant benefits to the region, including:
This notice comes just a few days after the announcement of another group of 17 projects that have successfully received funding from the EU Just Transition Fund programme, within Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs. Today’s announcement means that there are now over 80 projects that have received funding from the various schemes under the EU Just Transition programme.
The Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme (LRESSS) was developed through close collaboration between the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as the Managing Authority for the EU Just Transition Fund. It is administered through Pobal. It seeks to support the implementation of bottom-up local and regional strategies.
Commenting on the projects approved for funding, Minister O’Brien said:
“This call has been targeted at the people and communities most effected by the cessation of peat extraction in the Midlands. The selected projects represent an important part of the journey to a lower carbon-future which is fair for all. I look forward to witnessing the benefits to the social fabric, economy and environment that these initiatives will provide.”
Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), said:
“EMRA is delighted to see the fund supporting these projects under the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. These projects, in conjunction with others supported by the EU Just Transition Fund programme, play a crucial role in driving locally-led regional development and building a stronger, more sustainable future for the communities in the Midlands. We are proud to be able to support these unique project ideas that demonstrate the ingenuity that exists in the communities in the Midlands.”
This is a new opportunity for project funding using resources under the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. The call was aimed at a subset of counties from within the EU Just Transition Territory, following an evidence-based analysis of impacts and funding distribution. Successful projects were required to demonstrate close alignment with locally-defined Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).
Projects operating in the following areas were eligible to apply under this call: Laois, Offaly, Longford and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth, (Co Kildare).
| Project | Lead Organisation | Project Description | County | Approved Funding Amount * |
| Longford Enterprise and Energy Centre | Longford County Council | Under this project, the historical former post office building in Longford town will be refurbished to serve several uses, including setting up co-working spaces, the county tourism office and public event spaces. | Longford | €793,822 |
| The Dalton Centre – Enabling the Transition to Net Zero | Offaly County Council | Under this project, the vacant industrial building of Dalton Centre in Shannonbridge will be upgraded through the provision of basic services so that it can be used for training or job creation in construction and renewable energy sectors. | Offaly | €1,000,000 |
| Kildare’s Green Upskilling Programme | County Kildare Leader Partnership Company Limited by Guarantee | Under this project, a bespoke training programme focused on low-carbon, circular economy practices are being delivered to marginalised individuals in Athy and Clane-Maynooth with low education and limited employment opportunities. | Kildare | €709,314 |
| GreenSkills Reboot: Empowering the transition to a sustainable future through skills bootcamps | Generation: You Employed, Ireland Company Limited
By Guarantee |
Under this project, four green skills bootcamps are being delivered in the Midlands that focus on Solar PV Panel Installation and Retrofit Advisory. | Meath** | €235,448 |
| RegenTEC – Regeneration Training and Education Centre | Kildare County Council | Under this project, a vacant former secondary school in Athy is being developed into a hub for Regenerative Economic Development. The hub will be used for training and educational activities on sustainable and a low carbon economy. | Kildare | €998,802 |
| Development of Canal Road Business Park, Portarlington | Laois County Council | Under this project, capital works will be undertaken on the former Avon site at Canal Road, Portarlington to upgrade it to a business park and to attract enterprises.
|
Laois | €999,963 |
| Wetlands Wastewater treatment plant | Allenwood Community Development Association
Company Limited by Guarantee |
Under the project, a new wastewater treatment plant will be constructed to ensure operational continuity and sustainability of the Allenwood Community Development Association. The overall wetlands treatment system will also create green spaces and wildlife habitats | Kildare | €287,653 |
| Glas don Saol | The County Kildare Local Employment Service Network
Company Limited by Guarantee |
Under this project, 300 people in Athy and Clane-Maynooth will be assisted to identify their skills and interests and develop a career path within the green economy through the provision of a high-quality Career Guidance service. | Kildare | €299,491 |
| Kilcormac Sustainable Development Project | Kilcormac Development Association | Under this project, a new tourist office will be developed in Offaly to serve as an ecotourism hub with EV charging points and bicycle repair services. | Offaly | €231,787.68 |
| Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub: Empowering Local Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Employment | Ballinasloe Area Community Development | Under this project, the recently renovated office space of the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub will be operationalised by resourcing it with staff and equipment. The Hub will focus on the development of business in key sectors such as digital services, healthcare, MedTech and climate change by highlighting its offerings and providing high quality networking events and training sessions | Galway | €263,479 |
*subject to grant agreement
** Generation: You Employed is based in Meath, however, the project is being delivered in the Midlands Designated Territory
Today [18th February 2025] Fáilte Ireland has announced the first 17 projects, worth almost €2.9million, that have been awarded funding under its 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 marks the first announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme, which closed on 13th January 2025 after receiving 170 applications. The 17 projects [listed below] represent the first to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, with more projects expected to be announced on a rolling basis in the coming weeks and months, as evaluations of applications are completed.
Projects span four regenerative tourism development categories, including the Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences; Development of Sustainable/Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation; Capital Project Planning and Design; and Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said:
“When Fáilte Ireland launched this scheme in August 2023, our aim was to create new opportunities for local communities and businesses across the midlands – and today’s announcement is a huge milestone in this journey.
These 17 projects will provide innovative and sustainable visitor experiences and develop low-carbon tourist accommodation, and I look forward to further announcements of successful projects in the coming weeks and months, as we continue to evaluate the significant number of applications we received.
Initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund are essential for generating new opportunities for employment and sustaining local communities by creating more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.
We also look forward to further collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and our strategic partners to deliver a wide range of projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme over the next year and a half.”
Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said:
“As the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) welcomes the announcement of these private and community SME projects. The EU Just Transition Fund is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, and these 17 projects highlight the significant opportunities arising from investment in tourism. By investing in tourism, we not only create more recreational activities but also contribute to the preservation of environmental quality, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for our community.”
There has been significant interest in the Private and Community SME scheme, with a high volume of applications received. Fully completed applications are being evaluated in the order of receipt. Fáilte Ireland will communicate with applicants once their application has been evaluated.
Up to 70 tourism enterprises, spread across all eight counties in the EU Just Transition Territory**, are also participating in the Digital Transformation programme element of the scheme, valued at up to €4.8million. This funding enables these enterprises to participate in a two-year programme which will transform their digital presence and digital capabilities.
[Descriptions of all categories noted below]
| Location | Category (1/2/3/5)* | Funding |
| Westmeath
|
CATEGORY 2
Design and planning for accommodation chalets. |
€48,400 |
| Longford
|
CATEGORY 1
Enhanced bicycles and equipment to provide an accessible and inclusive visitor experience. |
€135,200 |
| Laois | CATEGORY 2
Glamping and wagon accommodation experience. |
€250,000 |
| Longford | CATEGORY 1
Inclusive visitor experience in Clondara area with increased tour options and routes and enhanced fleet of bicycles and equipment. |
€25,776 |
| Offaly
|
CATEGORY 3
Planning and design to redevelop and repurpose farm outbuildings into low carbon self-catering accommodation including ecological restoration and planting native flora and fauna. |
€13,474 |
| Offaly | CATEGORY 1
Develop fly fishing tours on the River Shannon. |
€41,520 |
| Tipperary
|
CATEGORY 1
Enhanced bicycles and equipment to provide an accessible and inclusive visitor experience. |
€ 47,200 |
| Galway | CATEGORY 3
A feasibility study to develop a cookery school with dorm style accommodation outdoor glamping pods, campervan pitches, a petting farm and wellness space. |
€57,600 |
| Offaly
|
CATEGORY 1
Increase the variety of the stock of bikes available to create a more inclusive visitor experience. |
€168,000 |
| Tipperary | CATEGORY 2
Redevelopment of outhouses into self-catering accommodation units and facilities for glamping tents. |
€300,000 |
| Roscommon | CATEGORY 2
Conversion of a 19th Century Schoolhouse into modern guest accommodation. |
€275,000 |
| Longford | CATEGORY 2
Development of eco cabins with accompanying works to surrounding area. |
€300,000 |
| Longford | CATEGORY 2
Delivery of self-catering accommodation to include one cottage and two glamping pods. |
€300,000 |
| Westmeath | CATEGORY 2
Conversion of disused buildings into self-catering cottages |
€300,000 |
| Laois | CATEGORY 2
Delivery of luxury eco glamping huts, including a wheelchair accessible hut |
€300,000 |
| Longford | CATEGORY 1
Enhanced boat and boating equipment to facilitate on-water guided tours. |
€37,000 |
| Longford | CATEGORY 2
Conversion of store room building into guest accommodation. |
€300,000 |
Under the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs there are five project categories that are being considered for funding:
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
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