EU Just Transition Fund: Local Economic and Community Plans
Closing date: 30th September 2024
Closing date: 30th September 2024
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today has announced that 15 sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will receive grants under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
The projects, put forward by voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, as well as micro and small to medium sized enterprises, have been awarded grant funding of between €50,000 and €300,000 to invest in ideas from the community that create employment and diversify the local economy of the Midlands region. The grants will enable projects to develop initiatives such as innovation and community hubs, green energy projects and heritage initiatives.
The total amount committed to selected projects from the EU Just Transition Fund is now nearly €54 million, following the recent announcement of projects selected through the EU JTF Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme run by Faílte Ireland and the EU JTF Local and Regional Economic Strategy Support Scheme run by Pobal. Further project announcements are expected shortly.
Commenting on the projects approved for funding under the scheme, Minister Ryan stated:
“Small-to-medium enterprises and local community organisations are the life blood of a region, creating jobs, helping to diversify the economy and generating ideas and innovation. This funding will empower local organisations to respond to Ireland’s shift to a low-carbon economy, while providing economic and social benefit at a local level for the individuals most impacted by this transition”.
Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, said:
“Local projects are key to ensuring that the EU Green Deal has a real impact on the ground. The Just Transition Fund will support Ireland’s Midlands to progress towards a more sustainable economy with local communities in the driving seat.”
Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), said:
“EMRA welcomes the announcement of selected projects that have been envisioned and created by the local community in the wider Midlands area. Bringing direct financial support to bottom-up ideas not only drives the innovative capacity of the entire region but also fosters vibrant placemaking that enriches the quality of life for its residents. This is crucial for enabling sustainable and inclusive regional development that leaves no one behind.”
Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare commented:
“We in Pobal look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly on this EU Just Transition Fund scheme to support small organisations to support the decarbonsiation of the Midlands. By investing in these organisations, communities and enterprises will be supported to build skills, generate jobs, enhance livelihoods and diversify the economy. We look forward also to engaging with these Midland communities as they work to contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy.”
The approved projects will deliver significant benefits to the region, including:
Projects have been selected through a competitive process under the EU Just Transition Fund’s Community and Enterprise Grants Scheme, which is the second call within the broader Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. This current announcement of projects builds upon the previous selection of projects announced on 26 April 2024, in which 15 other projects from the midlands received grants totalling €18 million.
The scheme was developed through close collaboration between the Department and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), the Managing Authority for the EU Just Transition Fund, and is being administered through Pobal. It seeks to support the implementation of bottom-up local and regional strategies. Successful projects were required to demonstrate close alignment with locally-led Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).
Project Name |
Organisation |
Location |
Funding Amount |
Strawchip | Strawchip Ltd | Ballycullane | €300,000 |
CycleUp | Roscommon Women’s Network | Castlerea | €188,649 |
Derrymore Sphagnum Farm | Derrymore Peat Ltd. | Longford | €300,000 |
Ecochip Energy | Ecochip Energy Ltd. | Castlepollard | €300,000 |
Ethica Planet – Mycelium | Ethica Planet Foods Ltd | Tullamore | €250,000 |
Waste Substrate Recycling | Kelly’s Nursery Ltd | Mullingar | €300,000 |
Renewables Training Delivery | SCT Consultancy Limited | Thurles | €207,735 |
Offshore Piling Noise Reduction System | Justin Cunningham Limited | Cashel | €299,838 |
Training Centre and Office | All About Trees Ltd | Highfield | €296,774 |
Poet’s Cottage Community Café | Camross Heritage Ltd | Camross | €256,403 |
EV Technician Training | Primo Coachworks Ltd | Ferbane | €172,578 |
Insulation Retrofit Training/Staff | Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative, Company Limited by Guarantee | Nenagh | €172,152 |
Peatlands for Prosperity | Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative Society Ltd | Offaly | €299,054 |
Waste Plastic Disposal Facility | Alister Future Technologies | Longford | €300,000 |
The Social Enterprise Exchange | Cluster Centre Platform Ltd | Athlone (Roscommon) | €129,999 |
The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly organised training on procurement for beneficiaries of the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland. A video of the training can be seen on this page.
EU JTF attends the annual event for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on 11 July 2024.
Today [19 June 2024] Fáilte Ireland has announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
22 projects (listed below) have been approved for €27.1million investment under the scheme which include walking and cycling trails on former industrial peatlands, and investment in Local Authority and State Agency tourism and visitor experience projects. Further projects that are still in the evaluation pipeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months. Projects span three development categories, including feasibility and masterplans; product design and planning; and delivery and construction.
Fáilte Ireland is also announcing the inclusion of up to 85 tourism enterprises in its EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme which is valued at up to €5.5million. A funding scheme for Private and Community SMEs to provide new and enhanced visitor experiences and low-carbon tourist accommodation remains open for expressions of interest until 30th June 2024, and announcements will be made on these awards later in the year.
Following the announcement of the first projects, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, said:
“I am pleased to see the first announcement of investment in projects by Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These projects mark the first steps in the regenerative tourism development journey in the Midlands, and we are pleased to work with our colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to deliver on government climate action goals through the EU Just Transition Fund. The projects funded support our move as a nation towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment for the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy, which will support sustainable economic development and job creation. We’re already seeing a significant impact in the Midlands as all counties within the region have been represented across these approved investments in projects, with more to come.”
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the green transition as Fáilte Ireland announces the first projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme targeted at the Midlands Region. This initiative, co-funded by the Government and the European Union not only provides new employment and economic opportunities for communities and businesses in the Midlands but also helps protect biodiversity, supporting a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future. I look forward to the delivery of these projects and to their positive impact on the Midlands Region.”
Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan added:
“Ireland can be at the forefront of the EU’s efforts to diversify its economy towards greener and more progressive industries, helping to achieve the EU’s Green Deal goals. One of the objectives of the EU’s Just Transition Fund is to support Ireland’s Midlands to further develop the potential of the local economy. Investing in sustainable tourism will not only generate local jobs but is also a step further in positioning the Midlands as an attractive tourist destination in the heart of Ireland.”
CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said:
“Today, we are pleased to announce our initial investment grants for projects under our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme, which is just the beginning of our EU Just Transition journey for Ireland’s Midlands.
These transformative projects, spanning the entire region, will create more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East, generating new opportunities for employment, empowering local businesses, and enhancing local communities, while strengthening the appeal of the Midlands as a tourist destination for generations to come. With further investment in projects to be announced over the coming months, this is a very exciting time for the Midlands.
We look forward to further collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Authority (EMRA), Bord na Móna, Local Authorities, and our strategic partners including the Office of Public Works, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Waterways Ireland, and Coillte to deliver these projects and more under this scheme across the next two years.”
Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said:
“EMRA, as the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, welcomes the announcement of this group of projects that underline the significant opportunities arising from investment in tourism for bolstering placemaking through enhanced amenities and capacity building. Tourism plays a pivotal role in diversifying income streams and enhancing employment prospects that are intricately tied to our local assets. By investing in tourism, we not only open doors to increased recreational activities but also contribute to the preservation of environmental quality, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for our community.”
Trail Development Scheme
As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6million towards the creation of up to 79km* of new walking and cycling trails, across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank in the following areas:
The trail development network focuses on developing and repurposing former industrial peatlands to support a network of universally accessible cyclable and walkable trails that will be to firmly establish the Midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities, connecting back into towns and villages. Following the successful completion of the planning process for these trails, Bord na Móna will apply for funding for their construction.
Welcoming the announcement, Head of Land & Habitats at Bord na Móna, Ger Breen said:
“Bord na Móna is pleased to be a beneficiary of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The sites selected for these trails will deliver benefits for the wider community through developing new trails across the Bord na Móna landbank as well as connecting up existing trails as part of the trail development network. This will give the local community as well as visitors better connectivity between the trails and the surrounding towns, villages, visitor experiences and future developments. We look forward to working with our partners in Fáilte Ireland, and the Local Authorities in Offaly, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath and Tipperary in delivering these trails.”
Local Authority and State Agency Schemes
Working closely with the 8 Local Authorities and state agencies including the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing, Waterways Ireland and Coillte, Fáilte Ireland has approved investment for €23.5million to deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.
The first projects approved for investment under this Scheme are below, with further projects expected to be announced in the coming weeks:
Project and Location | Project Description | Lead Organisation | Funding Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Kildare: Emily Square Urban Renewal
|
Redevelopment and regeneration of Emily Square at the heart of Athy Town | Kildare County Council | €2,735,425 |
Kildare: Donadea Forest Park
|
Creation of a visitor masterplan for the Forest Park | Coillte | €67,650 |
Laois: Rock of Dunamase
|
Delivery of enhancements to the visitor experience at the Rock of Dunamase thorough delivery of carpark, facilities, and interpretation | Laois County Council | €1,796,592 |
Laois: Emo Court | Options study for the development of Emo Court and Estate | Office of Public Works | €187,500 |
Westmeath: Athlone Castle
|
Delivery of interpretation, facilities, and visitor journey enhancements throughout Athlone Castle | Westmeath County Council | €3,226,770 |
Westmeath: Athlone Town Centre
|
Detailed design and planning of Boardwalk and Outdoor Urban Swimming Pool in Athlone Town Centre | Westmeath County Council | €561,803 |
Westmeath: Belvedere House, Gardens and Park | Visitor experience masterplan development for Belvedere House, Gardens and Park | Westmeath County Council | €187,500 |
Longford, Westmeath, and Kildare: Royal Canal Greenway
|
Delivery of the Royal Canal Greenway visitor experience development, including, Greenway animation and interpretation | Waterways Ireland | €487,500 |
Tipperary: Castle Street, Roscrea
|
Detailed design and planning for the regeneration of Castle Street | Tipperary County Council | €581,687 |
Tipperary: Carrick-on-Suir Riverside Regeneration
|
Feasibility, concept development and detailed design and planning to link the town centre with the riverside enhancing the visitor experience. | Tipperary County Council | €185,027 |
Tipperary: Roscrea Castle
|
Delivery of interpretation upgrade and introduction of new exhibitions within Roscrea Castle, Damer House, Heritage Centre, and landscaping works to the castle courtyard and garden | Office of Public Works | €2,976,548 |
Galway: Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre
|
Feasibility, concept development and detailed design for the enhancement of the visitor experience | Galway County Council | €103,200 |
Longford: Clondra to Termonbarry cycleway scheme
|
Feasibility to assess linking Clondra and Termonbarry through an off-road cyclepath | Longford County Council | €84,000 |
Longford: Clondra Village Enhancements
|
Delivery of enhancements to the public realm and outdoor visitor facilities in Clondra village and provide better connection with neighbouring Termonbarry through safer cycling and walking routes. | Longford County Council | €370,000 |
Longford: Lanesborough Amphitheatre
|
Detailed design and planning for the development of Lanesborough Amphitheatre | Longford County Council | €150,000 |
Longford: Corlea Iron Age Roadway & Visitor Centre
|
Options study to improve the visitor experience at Corlea Visitor Centre including conservation and presentation options for the Iron Age Roadway | Office of Public Works | €262,500 |
Offaly: Shannonbridge Plaza and Shannon Callows Reserve Walkway
|
Detailed design and planning for a central plaza and walkway | Offaly County Council | €218,275 |
Offaly: Shannonbridge Marina
|
Expansion of the capacity of the marina at Shannonbridge. | Waterways Ireland | €150,000 |
Offaly: Birr Destination Town Plus | Delivery of enhanced paving at William Street improving the linkages to the Castle Demesne and town centre | Offaly County Council | €188,183 |
Offaly: Clonmacnoise
|
Redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise, including refurbishment and extension of buildings to enhance the experience for visitors | Office of Public Works | €7,800,000 |
Roscommon: Lough Key Forest Park
|
Detailed design and planning for increased capacity and range of activities to realise ambitious strategy and masterplan objectives for Lough Key Forest Park | Coillte in partnership with Roscommon County Council | €1,185,712 |
Private and Community SME Scheme
Working closely with the 8 Local Authorities and state agencies including the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing, Waterways Ireland and Coillte, Fáilte Ireland has approved investment for €23.5million to deliver improved tourism infrastructure, facilities and visitor experiences, including those that can be leveraged by the private and community sectors.
The projects focus on the areas of Visitor Experience Improvement, Digital Transformation, Digital User Experience, Accessibility and Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism.
The first projects approved for investment under this Scheme are below, with further projects expected to be announced in the coming weeks:
Private and Community SME Scheme
The Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme also provides a significant fund of up to €17million for projects that will be delivered by private and community SMEs and micro enterprises operating within the EU Just Transition Territory**.
Over €5million is being announced today as part of the Digital Transformation programme element of the scheme which will be shared by up to 85 tourism enterprises spread across all eight counties in the EU Just Transition Territory. This funding will enable these enterprises to participate in a two-year programme which will transform their digital presence and digital capabilities.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest for the Private and Community SME element of this scheme is Sunday 30th June 2024 at 12 noon. Funding for this scheme is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. A dedicated Tourism Activator, a new role that has been developed and funded as part of this EU Just Transition scheme, is in place in each county to support applicants to develop their applications. Applicants can find more information and complete an Expression of Interest at www.failteireland.ie.
Today’s announcement adds to other schemes already funded under Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, including the recently launched Tourism Learning Network Programme. This programme provides a broad range of capability building, peer networking and shared learning opportunities, both in person and online, including real life best practice case studies from Ireland and internationally, to a mix of 46 businesses across the region, some of whom are new to tourism. Over 60 business owners and their staff from these micro enterprises, as part of the programme’s first intake, are actively engaged in various learning pillars including: The Business of Tourism; Business for Growth; Access and Inclusion; Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism. There will be a further intake for the Tourism Learning Network Programme later in 2024, with Expressions of Interest re-opening in the Autumn.
*All projects are subject to grant agreement, planning permission and funding availability
Private and community businesses with an idea for a tourism project are being encouraged to apply for Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026 which is part of the EU Just Transition Fund.
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest, the first step in a 2-step application process, is 30th June at 12 noon. Prospective applicants must have submitted an Expression of Interest by 30th June in order to progress to the full application stage. Applications cannot be considered unless an Expression of Interest is completed. Once a project is confirmed as eligible through the Expression of Interest stage, full applications must be submitted by the end of 2024. Funding for this scheme is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so early application is strongly advised as all projects must be fully completed, and all funds drawn down by 31st August 2026.
Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund, the scheme offers grant-aid to private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs located within the EU Just Transition Territory*. The ambition is to attract more visitors and increase the length of their stays by expanding the range of things for visitors to see and do. This is expected to create new jobs in the sector and help grow the visitor economy in the midlands.
Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, Paddy Mathews said:
“I really encourage anyone located in the EU Just Transition Territory* with an idea for a tourism project to submit an Expression of Interest for the Scheme before the 30th June 2024. The funding for this scheme is distributed on a first come first served basis following evaluation, so it’s really important that interested people make their submissions as soon as possible. The EU Just Transition Fund is a once in a generation funding scheme, which has enormous potential to transform Ireland’s Midlands and build a greener future.”
“Local community enterprises and small-to-medium businesses in the territory can express their interest in developing a sustainable tourism project through the fáilteireland.ie website and funding is available across a range of categories including sustainable visitor experiences, low carbon tourism accommodation development, and accessibility enhancements.”
“The deadline for completion of projects and draw down of funds is 31st of August 2026, so I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in this scheme and has yet to Express their Interest to do so before the 30th June 2024 deadline, and to submit their full application as soon as possible after that. Anyone who needs additional support can get in touch with their local Tourism Activator. The projects funded under this scheme will help create more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit the Midlands while also sustaining jobs, businesses and local communities in these parts of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Expressions of Interest can be submitted through Fáilte Ireland’s website failteireland.ie and a dedicated Tourism Activator has been allocated to each county to support applicants to develop their applications. Find the full list of Tourism Activators and their contact details here.
There are four project categories within the scheme that will be considered for funding:
Expressions of Interest for the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme will be accepted until 12pm Sunday, 30th June 2024. Applications will be assessed by Fáilte Ireland, who will provide guidance on the programme and offer direct support. Applicants can find more information and complete an Expression of Interest at www.failteireland.ie.
Rolling call. Strategic Partnership Agreement will be signed between Fáilte Ireland and relevant Public Landowners.
Scheme closed.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED: Deadline for applications is 28th February 2024 at 2.00pm
APPLICATIONS CLOSED: Deadline for applications is 28th February 2024 at 5.00pm
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre
Main Street, Ballymun
Dublin 9, D09 C8P5
Ireland
+353 (0) 1 8074482
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