Category: EMRA News - Page 2 - Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly

Ministers announce €60 million for THRIVE scheme to revitalise heritage buildings in Southern, Eastern and Midland Regions

On 16 January 2025, Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Alan Dillon announced that €60 million in funding is available through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Southern Eastern and Midland Regional Programme to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership; revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and delivering on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies.

Building on the success of the initial funding round in 2024, the Southern Regional Assembly is pleased to open the second call for applications under Strand 2 of THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – from 16th January 2025 with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore, and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres.

THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings, preserving their historical and cultural significance while creating vibrant and sustainable urban spaces.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
“I very much welcome the launch of the new €85 million THRIVE call under the ERDF Regional Programmes. This funding gives local authorities the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century, not only preserving and protecting these important heritage assets, but also ensuring their sustainable re-use for future generations. I look forward to seeing the regeneration benefits that will arise out of this funding and will strengthen the vibrancy of towns and cities throughout Ireland.”

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, said:
“The THRIVE scheme underscores our commitment to tackling vacancy, promoting heritage-led regeneration, and delivering on the Town Centre First policy. The Town Centre First approach ensures that local authorities are engaged with their citizens in developing new plans to transform and celebrate these underutilised heritage buildings for the benefit of their communities, while breathing new life into towns and urban centres across the country”.

Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr Garret Kelleher, said:
“THRIVE offers a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our communities by preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of our towns. By focusing on publicly owned buildings, this scheme ensures that restored spaces serve the needs of local citizens while respecting the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.”

With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide.

Heritage buildings are defined as structures with unique architectural, historical, archaeological, or artistic qualities, or those that hold cultural and economic significance to their locations.

Projects funded under THRIVE are required to embrace the values of the New European Bauhaus, incorporating sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The initiative also encourages a citizen-centred, community-led approach to planning, design, and project selection within the Town Centre First framework.

THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midlands Regional Programme 21-27. The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives.

The funding call will be managed by the ERDF Managing Authority the Southern Regional Assembly. Application guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on their respective websites at www.southernassembly.ie and www.nwra.ie.

Photo from event called "Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands" showing a group of men and women holding a sign that says #EUinmyRegion

Midlands Lead the Way: EUJTF Projects Showcase Sustainable Innovations

Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), in collaboration with Technological University Shannon (TUS), Midlands Campus in Athlone today brought together on Wednesday 4 December 2024 five key projects funded by the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) who are driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands region for a panel discussion, dubbed “Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands”.

The EU JTF aims to support the most negatively impacted regions and communities across Europe that are affected by the transition to climate neutrality by providing funding to enable sustainable innovation across the region. In Ireland the EU JTF programme focuses on the wider Midlands area, and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Welcoming attendees to the event included Lorna Walsh, Director of Research Support Services at TUS Midlands, Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, representative from DG REGIO (Department for regional and urban policy) of the European Commission, and Terry Connolly, Programme Manager of the EU Just Transition Fund in EMRA.

A panel of five projects then were invited to share their experiences so far and how the projects will impact the region.

The five projects and speakers who participated in the panel moderated by Bernie Roe, Assistant Director, EU Just Transition Fund and Corporate in EMRA, included:

Brendan Flanagan, Founder of Ethical Tours and EU JTF beneficiary, who shared insights on sustainable tourism.
Jennifer Payne, Business Development Manager, CycleUp Textiles, who discussed the circular economy practices and community empowerment through textile upcycling.
Stephen Napier, CEO of Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, who explored the innovations in sustainable biotechnologies.
Professor Neil Rowan, Lead Principal Investigator, Mount Lucas Circular Bioeconomy Aquaculture Initiative, who presented advancements in circular aquaculture.
Carmel Halligan, ReSHAPE, Programme Manager, highlighting TUS’s role in skills development for a low-carbon economy.

Commenting on the event, EMRA Programme Manager, Terry Connolly, said:

“The EU Just Transition is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, harnessing our abilities in sustainable innovation and economic transformation. Today’s event showcased how these projects are not only addressing climate neutrality but also creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and local communities to thrive in a greener future.”

Director of Research Support Services, TUS Midlands, Lorna Walsh, added

“TUS Midlands are honoured to play host to today’s panel which showcases the very best of what the Midlands has to offer in driving sustainable innovations across Ireland. Becoming carbon neutral is a tremendous task, and the collective efforts as demonstrated by our panelists and the EU JTF programme today are playing their role in future-proofing Ireland’s economy. At TUS, we are proud to support initiatives that align education, research, and enterprise to advance sustainability and build resilient communities in the Midlands.”

Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, programme manager for the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland at DG REGIO, European Commission, also added:

“I was happy for the opportunity to contribute to today’s event on the EU Just Transition Fund and to hear from projects that showcase what the fund is all about. The EU JTF represents our commitment to supporting the Midlands area in transitioning away from peat for electricity generation. Thanks to the fund, new jobs are being created in green sectors such as sustainable tourism and the bioeconomy, contributing to the economic diversification of the Midlands area. It is an opportunity for everyone who wants to contribute to a greener and stronger Midlands, and I encourage potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To learn more about the EU Just Transition Fund, read here.

Close up of hands showing people planning work streams

Have your say in the future Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Corporate Plan

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is currently preparing its new Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan is the Assembly’s strategic framework for action over the next five years and will outline the Assembly’s vision, mission and strategic objectives for its new term.

To ensure that this plan is inclusive of all voices in our Region, EMRA is today launching a questionnaire and inviting all residents, businesses, community organisations and interested parties to share their views on the future of our Region.

To participate please fill in the following survey: EMRA survey

Closing date: 12/12/2024

Current corporate plan: EMRA corporate plan

Launch of EU JTF Midlands Pathway to Just Transition Project

A €3.9 million project to boost economic growth in Ireland’s Midlands was launched at the Cube in Portlaoise on 4th October 2024. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Pathway for Just Transition, aims to support Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath. It was launched by Ministers Eamon Ryan and Peter Burke. The project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union by the EU Just Transition Fund.

Under the scheme a series of actions will be implemented to support the regions economy in five distinct areas:

Midlands Pathway to Transition – supporting the transition to a net zero economy
Delivering the Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan
Delivering the Midlands ICT Action Plan
Delivering the Midlands Ireland Placemaking Programme
Delivering the Midlands Ireland Regional Food and Drink Strategy

In addition to supporting economic development this Midlands Pathway Plan places a heavy emphasis on education and future skills. There will be an expansion of award-winning regional STEM education programmes, such as Dream Space and VEX Robotics, to over 280 primary and secondary schools across the region. The programme will also support investment in digitalisation and equipment for schools.

Appropriate resourcing will be assigned to ensure the delivery of action plans that have been developed to support the growth of the key enterprise sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, ICT and Food and Drink. In addition, the development of career pathways aims to provide people with upskilling and reskilling opportunities, such as in the area of ICT, where a regional skill survey identifies approximately 800 job openings in the next three years.

Speaking at the launch, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications said

“A just transition is all about ensuring that the benefits and opportunities of the transition to a green economy are shared widely and equally. The purpose of the Just Transition Fund is to help communities not only move towards a new green future, but to ensure that they thrive, that they are great places to live and work and that they have a strong economic path and future. This Enterprise Plan is about hooking into the ingenuity, drive and innovation that is here in the Midlands and turning it into a vibrant economic region that will deliver real improvements for people right across the four counties while also supporting ongoing decarbonisation.”

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, said

“The launching of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is an important occasion for not just the EU Just Transition Fund programme but also for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, having been instrumental in the inception of the EUJTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. It is a testament to the Regional Assembly, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Pobal’s commitment to supporting local ideas and innovations for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a climate-neutral economy. This project shows how a regional approach can amplify impacts and we are looking forward to following its progress.”

The project will have a transformative impact on the employment base within the region. The project proposes generating employment, including the provision of ‘Just Transition Officers’, appointed at Local Authority level in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath and Laois. These Officers will seek to directly support impacted communities and facilitate collaboration across Just Transition projects with their technical expertise. They will support and empower those who seek alternative employment and community opportunities, demonstrating the strong commitment of local Authorities in supporting communities across the core EU JTF territory.

‘Regional Innovation Valley’ status given to Ireland’s 3 Regions by European Commission

- All three of Ireland’s NUTS2 regions – Eastern and Midland, Southern and Northern and Western – were designated as Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) by the European Commission on 19 June 2024, joining a network of 149 similarly designated regions across Europe.
- The RIV initiative, part of the New European Innovation Agenda, aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, bridge the innovation gap in Europe and improve Europe’s overall innovation performance.
- Being part of the RIV initiative unlocks new funding and international collaboration opportunities for Ireland’s regions, to enhance competitiveness and innovation.
- Companies, research performing organisations (RPOs) and innovation hubs are encouraged to signal their interest in engagement to the relevant Regional Assembly.

All three of Ireland’s regions – the Eastern and Midland Region, Southern Region and the Northern and Western Region – have received the designation of ‘Regional Innovation Valleys’ by the European Commission. This label recognises the regions’ potential as hubs of innovation and economic growth within a network of 149 similarly designated regions across Europe.

A Regional Innovation Valley label connects regions with other designated ‘valleys’ across Europe to enhance their innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration among European regions and cities based on their smart specialisation strategies (S3) and competitive advantage to address the innovation gap.

Being part of this network, designated regions are committed to collaborating on innovation projects with other European regions, reducing innovation gaps between leading and lower innovation performing regions, as well as creating new EU value chains in line with key EU priorities, such as food security, renewable energy, circular economy, digital transition and healthcare.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD said:

“I welcome today’s announcement that the Southern Region, the Eastern and Midland Region and the Northern and Western Region are to join 149 regions across Europe as part of the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Valleys initiative. Being part of this initiative will unlock new European funding and international collaboration opportunities for our regions, while fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.”

The Minister also emphasised the long-term benefits for the regions:

“The inclusion of all of Ireland’s regions as part of this initiative is reflective of my Department’s commitment to ensure that Ireland’s innovation ecosystem at national and regional level is supportive of regional enterprise strengths and potential, driving our strategic priorities around the twin digital and green transition, and leveraging knowledge and insights from European partners through international collaborative initiatives. With our ongoing implementation of Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, my Department will continue to work with stakeholders in our three Regions to pursue further EU funding streams and opportunities for international collaboration with the European Commission that will emerge as part of this designation.”

Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said:

“The designation recognises the special characteristics of Ireland’s regions and our Eastern and Midland Region’s potential as a hub of innovation and economic growth. The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is looking forward to engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to connecting with other regions across Europe to learn from each other and collectively enhance our competitiveness and capacity for innovation.”

Regions selected to receive a RIV label are committed to:

Strengthening their Research & Innovation (R&I) ecosystem
Enhancing the co-ordination and directionality of their R&I policy and investment towards key EU priorities
Engaging in R&I collaboration between more and less advanced regions with complementary smart specialisation strategies.

A key component of the Regional Innovation Valley initiative is its matchmaking process to facilitate connections between enterprise, research and public institutions, create partnerships, provide access to a pool of experts and mentors, and match innovation projects with potential investors and funding sources.

The European Commission will support these cross-regional and cross-sectoral partnerships by connecting various stakeholders within each region’s innovation ecosystem through matchmaking events and targeted communication actions.

While funding is not awarded to Ireland with this designation, it does enable regions to unlock new European funding sources and international collaboration opportunities. It also offers new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to access collaboration domestically and internationally to drive innovation.

Innovation agencies, companies, RPOs and innovation hubs are encouraged to signal their interest in engagement to the relevant Regional Assembly.

Notes to Editor

Smart Specialisation

Smart Specialisation is an innovation policy concept, developed by the European Commission, which aims to boost regional innovation by harnessing the inherent strengths of each region through fostering collaboration between businesses, research institutions, public authorities and civil society. Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy was developed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Smart Specialisation provides a roadmap for each region to address challenges such as embracing digital transformation, reducing fossil fuel reliance, achieving circularity, as well as enhancing global food security and advancing healthcare, while emphasising the importance of research and development, skills and entrepreneurship.

The development of a Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) is a requirement for EU Member States to access European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) moneys for 2021-2027. Accordingly, the publication of Ireland’s National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 was an essential requirement for drawdown of ERDF.

At a programme level, Smart Specialisation will be delivered by Ireland’s ERDF programmes, as required by the European Commission.

The New European Innovation Agenda

The New European Innovation Agenda, adopted on 5 July 2022, aims to position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep-tech innovation and start-ups. It will help Europe to develop new technologies to address the most pressing societal challenges, and to bring them to the market. Europe wants to be the place where the best talent work hand in hand with the best companies and where deep-tech innovation thrives and creates breakthrough innovative solutions across the continent.

The New European Innovation Agenda – European Commission (europa.eu)

A map of all 149 selected Regional Innovation Valleys can be found here:

Map of Selected Regions for RIV Status

Ireland’s three NUTS2 regions

The NUTS2 Eastern and Midland Region comprises counties Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford.

The NUTS2 Northern and Western Region comprise counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.

The NUTS2 Southern Region comprises counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Cork and Kerry.

ENDS

Wooden trail with text overlay announcing project selected

Projects Selected for EU JTF Community and Enterprise Grants

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:

An innovative series of initiatives to develop the bioeconomy sector;
Training and upskilling in sustainable sectors for communities previously reliant on peat production;
The preservation, repurposing and refurbishment of local infrastructure and heritage assets for use as enterprise space;
Innovation in green technology, including renewable energy and sustainable energy practices;
Circular economy initiatives to support sustainable production and consumption of goods and services.

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).

List of Selected Projects

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

EMRA Director, Cathaoirleach, and CE Laois

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

The first meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly took place in the Council Chamber, Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on Friday 12th July 2024. The meeting marks the start of a new five-year term for the Regional Assembly following the recent local elections.

Cllr Fitzgerald, Joan Martin and Clare Bannon

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Joan Martin and Clare Bannon stand for photo at the first meeting of the Regional Assembly 2024-2029 term

The meeting brought together representatives from every local authority in the region (Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, South Dublin, Westmeath, Wicklow). The Assembly is made up of 39 Members comprised of elected officials nominated by their constituent local authorities to be part of the Assembly and members from the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions, who are nominated by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 22 Members are completely new to the Assembly, 17 are returning from the last term. The regional assembly is the regional tier of government in Ireland and has responsibility for balanced reginal spatial and economic planning and for EU funded programmes.

On this occasion, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald of Laois County Council was elected as Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly for 2024-2025. Additionally, Cllr David Healy was elected as Leás-Cathaoirleach for 2024-2025.

On the agenda for the meeting, minutes from the previous meeting on 10th May were adopted. An overview presentation of the Regional Assembly’s work and responsibilities was provided bringing all new and existing members up to speed. Also covered as points at the meeting were nominations to external bodies, planning items, a programme of works quarter 2 update, a cohesion alliance joint call and a correspondence piece.

Lastly, the meeting was also the last meeting for Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council and designated Chief Executive of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. We thank her for all her dedication to the Assembly over the years.

Congratulating the new Cathaoirleach and Leás-Chathaoirleach, Acting Director of the Assembly, Clare Bannon said that she and all the staff in the Assembly look forward to working with them and the new Assembly Members over the coming years.

See the full list of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly members on our Members page.

EMRA elected Members 2024-2029 and members of staff in Dun Laoghaire Council Chambers, 12 July 2024

EU Just Transition Fund highlighted at the National Recovery and Resilience Plan annual event

EU JTF attends the annual event for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on 11 July 2024.

Vista at Clonmacnoise with text overlay announcing EU JTF projects selected

Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands

22 projects to receive €27.1million investment grant-aid in first round of investment approval*.
Bord na Móna to develop up to 79 km* of trails across the region, subject to planning consents and funding approval.
85 tourism businesses will participate in a €5.5million Digital Transformation Programme.
Funding scheme for Private and Community SMEs to close for expressions of interest on 30th June 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:

Longford – between Lanesborough and Cloondara,
Roscommon – between Termonbarry and Roosky,
Westmeath – between Athlone and Ballinahown,
Offaly East – between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas
Offaly West – around Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora
Tipperary – between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile

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

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

Local projects in the Midlands to receive grants amounting to €18 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today announced the 15 projects in the Midlands that will receive grant awards amounting to €18 million from the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme.

All of the awarded projects will invest in local communities, to create employment and to diversify the local economy of the Midlands region. They range from innovation and community hubs to a range of education and training programmes, and from green energy projects to heritage initiatives.

Thirteen projects, led by, or with strong involvement from, local authorities have been awarded grant funding of between €200,000 and €1 million to deliver actions in line with their Local Economic and Community Plans in the Midlands. The approved projects will deliver significant benefits to the region, including:

the upskilling and training of communities in the territory to participate in the low carbon economy;
the preservation, repurposing and refurbishment of local infrastructure and heritage assets for use as enterprise space;
supporting green technologies, including renewable energy and sustainable energy practices.

Two further strategic flagship projects supporting the delivery of the Regional Enterprise Plans have been approved for total funding of over €8 million:

The Munster Technological University (MTU), in partnership with Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the University of Limerick (UL) will deliver education and training opportunities for the economic development and environmental sustainability of the Midlands region.
The Midlands Local Authorities (Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath) are allocating dedicated resources to realise sectoral ambitions in line with the objectives for the region’s Regional Enterprise Plan, including the Midland pathway to transition to a net-zero economy, Midlands Ireland Placemaking Programme and the Midlands Ireland Regional Food and Drink Strategy.

Projects have been selected through a competitive process under the EU Just Transition Fund Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme, administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department, which seeks to support the implementation of bottom-up local and regional strategies. Successful projects needed to demonstrate close alignment with locally-led Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).

Commenting on the projects approved for funding under the scheme, Minister Ryan stated:

“It is imperative that communities and workers who are most affected by the shift to a carbon neutral future are provided with targeted supports to address the social and economic impact of the transition.

“The changes we need to make have to be just, ensuring that the needs of people and planet are supported. This scheme will help communities across the Midlands to maximise the opportunities and benefits of the green economy by harnessing and supporting the implementation of bottom-up local and regional strategies. This will help build new economic strength and identity for the region while also supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), said:

“I welcome the announcement today of the projects that will receive funding through the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF). It is a significant milestone for the EU JTF Programme as this scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland in its approach to funding local and regional economic strategies, designed to put local authorities and communities at the centre of the delivery of the EU JTF in Ireland. These selected projects highlight the ingenuity and locally-conceived ideas that have the potential to make a lasting impact on the wider Midland region. We also extend our gratitude to all the applicants for their submissions, which have shown dedication to the opportunity that exists in the region.”

Councillor Kate Feeney, Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, remarked:

“The selection of these projects under the innovative EU JTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme is a transformative moment for the Irish Midlands. By bringing support directly from the EU to the local level where it is needed the most, the selected initiatives will foster growth and drives sustainable development for the communities in the region for years to come.”

Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:

“Pobal is delighted to be working with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly on the EU Just Transition Fund to support the implementation of these very exciting projects within the midlands. These diverse projects demonstrate a tangible investment in the development of local communities, building skills, generating employment and supporting the economic diversification of the midlands region as they transition to a low carbon economy. Pobal recognises the value of this fund and are proud to support it. We look forward to working with all stakeholder organisations in the region to make this scheme a success.”

Selected Projects

Details of the projects selected for funding under this scheme are listed below:

Project Name	Lead Organisation	County	Approved Funding Amount*
Athlone Smart Innovation and Co-working hub	Westmeath County Council, Technological University of the Shannon	Westmeath	€1,000,000
Ballaghaderreen Training, Upskilling and Community Hub	Roscommon County Council	Roscommon	€1,000,000
Biomethane Development Office	Tipperary County Council, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) & the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation (IBF)	Tipperary	€993,011
Carbon Emission Reduction Training	Roscommon County Council	Roscommon	€569,037
Circular Economy Centre of Excellence	Longford County Council	Longford	€200,860
Computer Science in Every Secondary School in Co. Longford	Longford County Council	Longford	€841,290
Co-working Hub and Enterprise Centre	Westmeath County Council – Kinnegad	Westmeath	€1,000,000
Film Offaly Project	Offaly County Council	Offaly	€252,985
Junction 17 National Enterprise Park Development	Laois County Council	Laois	€1,000,000
Kilcormac Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence	Kilcormac Development Association	Offaly	€294,056
Manorhamilton Innovation and Development Community**	Future Cast	Roscommon	€793,970
Pre-Apprenticeship programme	Tipperary Education & Training Board	Tipperary	€999,791
Rathcrogan Farming/Cultural Heritage Scheme	Farming Rathcrogan Scheme Company	Roscommon	€886,634
Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition	Laois County Council	Regional	€3,992,882
ReSHAPE – Regional Skills Horizon And Pathways to Employment’ project	Munster Technological University	Regional	€4,154,602

*subject to grant-agreement

** Manorhamilton Innovation and Development Community will deliver this project in Co. Roscommon.

The Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund programme 2021-2027 which supports the workers and communities most negatively impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy by supporting the development of sustainable and resilient communities in the Midlands.

This programme focuses its activities in the EU Just Transition Fund Territory, consisting of Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy, Clane-Maynooth, (Co Kildare) and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co Tipperary).

Successful projects will be delivered up to March 2026.

Further information on the scheme is available on the Pobal website.