EU Just Transition fund for midlands being launched today

The €169m EU Just Transition Fund for the wider midlands region is being launched this morning (Friday).

The fund is designed to support communities transitioning to a low carbon economy and in Ireland, the €169 million available up to 2027 is co-funded by the Government and the EU.

The counties of Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly, Longford and Laois and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe in Galway, Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles in Tipperary, and Athy and Clane in Kildare are covered by the fund.

The allocation of funding within the counties will be determined by the strength of the various applications.

The administration of the fund is being managed by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA).

The opening of applications for funding is expected at today's launch, which is taking place in Keenagh, Co. Longford.

Investment will focus on three priority areas, generating employment by diversifying the local economy, restoration of degraded peatlands and regeneration of industrial heritage assets, and providing smart and sustainable mobility options to enable local communities to benefit from the green transition.