Just Transition Fest celebrates EU Just Transition Fund Impact

Voices from across the wider Midlands gathered today to share how they are reshaping the region’s future through innovation, collaboration and regeneration. From job creation to environmental restoration, projects showcased the real-world impact of the EU Just Transition Fund across Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath. The EU Just Transition Fund is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and has supported 172 projects to date across the region, representing a total of over €121 million in allocation to date, with more projects being announced soon.

The event, hosted by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), as Managing Authority of the EUJTF programme, brought together community groups, SMEs, project leaders and policy makers to reflect on the impact of the programme to date and to form a collective vision for the future. Initiatives supported through the fund span peatland restoration, bioeconomy development, skills training, circular economy initiatives, and tourism activations, aiming to support communities most affected by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat.

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy commenting on the EUJTF fund impact said:

“Today’s event marks an important milestone in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy in the Midlands. I am delighted that this event has provided an opportunity for these innovative projects, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund, to showcase the real benefits that will be delivered to the region. The work carried out by these projects will strengthen local economies, enhance the fabric of local communities, and ensure that the Midlands continues to be a thriving area to live and visit, while supporting the path to a green future.”

The event featured a wide range of projects that demonstrate how EUJTF investment is delivering innovative, community-led solutions such as:

• Restoring natural habitats and build local capacity for peatland restoration.
• Championing paludiculture as a regenerative wetland agriculture model to deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
• Advancing Ireland’s bioeconomy potential through the demonstration and scale-up of innovative biobased technologies.
• Creating sustainable and unique visitor experiences, supporting local tourism, small businesses, and regeneration.
• Providing upskilling in renewable energy and electric vehicle maintenance to create new employment opportunities for former peat industry workers.

It also looked ahead to the next EU programming period, reflecting on progress made and the collective ambition for the region’s future.

Mr. Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said:

“The Just Transition Fund is about ensuring that people and communities are at the heart of climate action. The projects we are celebrating today showcase how EU supports can benefit local climate initiatives, creating sustainable solutions for local people and the wider environment.”

Clare Bannon, Acting Director of EMRA said that:

“This is a celebration of collective achievement. The 172 funded projects to date reflect ambition, creativity and determination across the region. The EU Just Transition Fund programme is already delivering real impact in communities, and this event is about showcasing those successes and looking to the future together.”

The day-long event included an exhibition of funded projects, workshops, and breakout sessions to shape future actions. Youth voices were represented through a creative workshop with local schoolchildren, that was run parallel to the event and led by Laois artist Annie Holland, who together imagined the future of their community and environment through art. The event closing session gathered reflections from project exhibitors, participants and attendees, and the school children to create a collective vision for a future for the Midlands.

Scroll through and check out these images from the day: