EU Just Transition Activator appointed in Offaly County Council
Offaly County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Hensey as the EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator.
In this role, Mary will play a pivotal part in supporting and guiding private and community-based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing high-quality project proposals and grant applications through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme
Mary brings a wealth of experience in the tourism and business sectors having previously successfully worked on developing and managing various businesses, particularly in the tourism industry.
In her new role, Mary will assist eligible Offaly businesses and community groups in creating quality project proposals and grant applications ensuring compliance with the EU requirements while fostering collaboration and building networks.
The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a newly established fund operating under Regulation (EU) (2021/1056), within the framework of the EU Cohesion policy for the programming period 2021-2027.
The fund aims to support regions and communities negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality, addressing employment, economic, social, and environmental impacts.
In Ireland, the focus is on regions impacted by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat, Offaly being one of them.
The Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs is open for Expressions of Interest from Private & Community SMEs. The scheme aims to improve the visitor experience, secure overnight stays, offer them more activities and facilities to encourage them to stay longer in the Midlands and enhance digital capabilities in tourism businesses.
Categories for Funding:
Ø Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences
Ø Development of Sustainable/Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation
Ø Capital Project Planning & Design
Ø Digital Transformation
Ø Accessibility Enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
Private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs interested in applying for funding should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form via Fáilte Ireland's online trade portal.
The closing date for Categories 1, 2, 3, and 5 is June 30, 2024, with funded projects expected to be completed by August 2026.
Expressions of Interest for Category 4, the Digital Transformation Programme close at the end of this month (Jan).
The EU Just Transition Tourism Learning Network Programme, which launched earlier this month, is accepting Expressions of Interest until 22nd February. This is a collaborative learning programme for the successful development of regenerative tourism in the EU Just Transition Territory.
It is currently open to private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs located in the territory, as well as public agency partner staff involved in tourism, and previous employees of ESB Networks or Bord na Móna, involved in electricity production or peat harvesting, planning a new career in tourism.
More information, guidelines and detailed terms and conditions are available on the Fáilte Ireland website: https://www.failteireland.ie/JustTransition.aspx
For further inquiries or assistance, please contact Mary Hensey at MHensey@offalycoco.ie
Offaly County Council is excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on the Midland’s tourism industry and encourages eligible businesses to take advantage of this unique opportunity.