Substantial funding allocated to community projects under EU Just Transition programme
Substantial Government support funding of €1.23 million has been allocated to two community projects in Offaly under the EU Just Transition Fund.
Offaly County Council has been awarded €1 million towards the Dalton Centre project in Shannonbridge which will see an upgrade of the vacant industrial building through the provision of basic services enabling the facility to be used for training or job creation in the construction and renewable energy sectors
Additionally, the Kilcormac Development Association will receive €231,787 to develop a new tourist office which will serve as an ecotourism hub with EV charging points and a bicycle repair service.
This is the third tranche of Just Transition funding as part of the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme aimed at providing employment opportunities to local economic and community led projects that were heavily dependent on peat extraction for energy use. The funding provides targeted support to projects that will boost the resilience of communities and the economic fabric of the Midlands region.
Under a previous tranche announcement, it was revealed that ten submissions were made for Just Transition funding in Offaly as part of the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme, but only two projects were successful, much to the dismay of sitting Councillors and the local authority executive at the time.
The significant allocation towards the two community projects was welcomed by Fine Gael TD John Clendennen who stated that the significant investment emphasised the Government's commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic resilience in Offaly through the EU Transition Fund.
"The Shannonbridge Dalton Centre and Kilcormac projects exemplify the innovative spirit of our local communities and I am confident this investment will lead to further growth and opportunity.
"I have been critical of Just Transition funding previously but I fully welcome just over 20% of the overall funding scheme allocated to two important initiatives in Offaly. These projects not only address environmental objectives but also pave the way for economic and social cohesion in our region," the Minister said.
In total, community support funding of almost €6 million was confirmed by the Government for ten community-led projects in the Midlands region.
The announcement means that there are now over 80 projects that have received funding from the various schemes under the EU Just Transition programme.