Additional EU 'Just Transition' funding call announced
Projects operating across the Midlands, including in Offaly, Longford and Ballinasloe are eligible to apply for an additional funding call under the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
The announcement of additional funding of up to €1,000,000 was made today (Tuesday) by Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan. The funding is being made available for projects that build on the strengths of the local area, have an identified need, and create new job opportunities or increase the sustainability of existing jobs in the territory.
Applicants need to demonstrate alignment with ‘Local Economic and Community Plans’ of their respective county, and the closing date for the receipt of application is September 30.
Minister Ryan said the latest funding call under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Programme, represents a further opportunity for local economies "to avail of funding that will assist the shift towards a carbon-neutral future" and added that it will support the development of projects that "contribute towards sustainable development in the Midland by creating employment opportunities and enhancing economic diversification”.
Cllr Cathrine Fitzgerald, EMRA Cathaoirleach, stated:
“I am pleased to see the launch of this new, targeted call under the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. As Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) is committed to ensuring the ethos of “no one is left behind” is maintained and that supports go where they are needed. This call will enable locally led projects in many of the areas most impacted by the green transition to deliver a robust, sustainable local economy and a vibrant future.”
This is a new opportunity for project funding using resources previously unallocated under the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. This call is aimed at a subset of counties from within the EU Just Transition Territory, following an evidence-based analysis of impacts and funding distribution.
Projects operating in the following areas are eligible to apply under this fund: Laois, Offaly, Longford and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth, (Co Kildare).
This is the third funding call that provides direct supports to the implementation of Local and Regional Economic Strategies. The first call, launched in Autumn 2023 targeted local authorities and larger initiatives. 15 projects were selected under this round, for a total of €18 million.
A subsequent funding call, the Community and Enterprise Grants scheme, for local community organisations and small-to-medium sized enterprises, launched in early 2024, and has recently awarded a total of nearly €3.8 million of grant funding across 15 sustainability-focused projects.
The additional round of EU Just Transition funding has been warmly welcomed by Green Party Minister for State, Pippa Hackett, who said it was "obvious that there was a geographical disparity" to previous funding rounds.
The Minister said she had raised concerns about this with Government colleagues and is happy to see that a "levelling up approach" is now being taken. "We have committed to supporting those regions most impacted by the move from a peat economy and it is important that the distribution of funding mirrors areas identified as being in most need, Offaly is undeniably one such area" she pointed out.