Offaly projects low on list in latest EU Just Transition funding

Offaly projects received one of the lowest level of funding allocated through the first tranche of support under a new Just Transition Fund programme.

Fáilte Ireland has announced the first 17 projects, worth almost €2.9million, that have been awarded funding under its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs, part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme.

Of the eight counties represented either in whole or part in the EU Just Transition scheme, six received higher funding allocations than Offaly under this new programme, with only Galway, represented by the Ballinasloe Municipal District, having lower funding than Offaly.

The scheme is, of course, dependent on the geographical break down of applications submitted, and Fáilte Ireland also said it expects more to be announced on a rolling basis in the coming weeks and months, as evaluations of applications are completed.

Of the 17 projects, sharing almost €2.9m, three are from Offaly and will receive a total €222,994.

The highest allocation went to Longford, where six projects will share just under €1.1m. Next is Laois, with €550,000 going to two projects, Westmeath, where €348,400 has been allocated to two projects,.Tipperary (represented by the Carrick on Suir and Thurles municipal districts) will receive €347,000 for two projects.

One project in the Ballinasloe area of Galway has been allocated €57,600.

The recipients of the funding have not been made known, though details of the projects have been published.

In Offaly, the projects involve planning and design to redevelop and repurpose farm outbuildings into low carbon self-catering accommodation including ecological restoration and planting native flora and fauna; the development of fly fishing tours on the River Shannon and a project to increase the variety of the stock of bikes available to create a more inclusive visitor experience.

CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly said: “When Fáilte Ireland launched this scheme in August 2023, our aim was to create new opportunities for local communities and businesses across the midlands – and today’s announcement is a huge milestone in this journey.

These 17 projects will provide innovative and sustainable visitor experiences and develop low-carbon tourist accommodation, and I look forward to further announcements of successful projects in the coming weeks and months, as we continue to evaluate the significant number of applications we received.

Initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund are essential for generating new opportunities for employment and sustaining local communities by creating more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.

We also look forward to further collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and our strategic partners to deliver a wide range of projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme over the next year and a half.”

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

"As the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) welcomes the announcement of these private and community SME projects. The EU Just Transition Fund is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, and these 17 projects highlight the significant opportunities arising from investment in tourism. By investing in tourism, we not only create more recreational activities but also contribute to the preservation of environmental quality, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for our community."