Vital that Just Transition funding made more accessible to local communities - Cowen
A greater need to simplify the application process to hasten the allocation of Just Transition funding and make it more accessible to the communities impacted in County Offaly and the wider Midlands region was the key message delivered at a press conference hosted by EU Regional Development (REGI) committee members in St Joseph's Community Centre in Kilcormac.
The meeting brought to a conclusion a three day mission by a delegation of EU based Regional Development committee members aimed at bolstering regional development efforts in the Midlands North West region and Just Transition locations.
REGI committee member and Midlands North West MEP, Barry Cowen, who was in attendance at the meeting, spoke of the perceived slowness in the allocation of Just Transition funding to communities in Offaly and the Midlands region.
"It is vital that EU State Aid rules are reviewed as part of the move towards simplification to speed up allocation of Just Transition funding and make it more accessible and therefore it is incumbent on this committee to investigate the ability to reform State Aid rules,” he said.
The MEP lauded the surroundings in which the REGI committee were concluding their three day mission.
“It is an honour to be here in Kilcormac, a community that has embraced change and seized opportunities arising from the transition away from peat. For over 40 years, Kilcormac Development Association (KDA) has been at the heart of community-led development, ensuring that European and national funds are used effectively to support sustainable progress.
“Despite facing significant challenges, the KDA and others have succeeded in securing EU Just Transition funding and it is a testament to the strong collaboration between government, local authorities and community organisations. This funding is not just about replacing one industry with another; it is about empowering communities to shape their own economic future.
MEP Cowen emphasised the importance of European funding in fostering sustainable economic growth in County Offaly and the Midlands, highlighting the transformative impact of the Just Transition Fund, which has already contributed €170 million in funding to support local projects, including €85 million from the EU. This investment has facilitated community regeneration, economic diversification and the development of new industries to replace lost employment in traditional sectors.
The delegation was led by REGI Vice-Chair Ms L'ubica Karvasova, and also comprised of sitting Midlands North West MEPs Ciaran Mullooly and Maria Walsh, all of whom echoed similar sentiments to those expressed by MEP Cowan, unanimously vocalising the need for a more simplified process to enable community groups access Just Transition funding in a swifter manner.