Laois is one of the counties set to benefit from a €169m funding boost from the EU Just Transition scheme.
Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon and parts of Kildare and Tipperary will share the fund.
Laois/Offaly TD, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, said the boost will support the creation of new firms and encourage the up- and reskilling of workers who’ve been predominantly affected by the transition towards climate neutrality.
Deputy Charlie Flanagan said the boost will support the creation of new firms and encourage the up- and reskilling of workers.
“The EU Just Transition Fund is a key tool for Counties most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality. It aims to provide them with tailored support.
“The scheme focuses on providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat by diversifying the local economy, which will include new opportunities for tourism.
“It encompasses four strands, which include: Trail Development; Visitor Amenities; Alternative Low Carbon Accommodation; and Smart Specialisation, which involves digital transformation.
“This is a massive step for regenerative tourism and development in Ireland. The scale of investment will also help counties reduce emissions in line with the Programme for Government.
“The funding will enable the development of a network of trails linked to existing and emerging greenways; provide support to tourism businesses developing tourism infrastructure and experiences; repurpose buildings for small scale tourism developments and support the use of smart technology and digitalisation to the benefit of visitors, businesses and the economy of the Midlands.
“In terms of funding, the allocation will be determined by the strength of applications by local authorities, state agencies, communities and businesses and how closely they align with the priorities of Just Transition,” concluded Deputy Flanagan.
“In the last few days we received the news that the European Commission has adopted Ireland’s Territorial Just Transition Plan,” added Minister Pippa Hackett.
This means that Offaly, Laois and the wider Midlands region can now realise the full transformative potential of this funding package.
“Today, I welcome the news that €68m of the €169m allocated to the Just Transition Fund will be invested in transforming tourism in the region.
“This is a new and exciting opportunity and I look forward to this investment enhancing our unique, rich, living and industrial heritage.
“This investment falls into two areas: €30m for the Midlands Trails Network of walking, waterways and cycling connections along, amongst other things, former Bord na Mona rail track.
“This is particularly exciting for Offaly and my thanks to Offaly County Council for their hard work on this.
“The balance of today’s announcement, €38m focuses on low carbon infrastructure and experiences and smart solution development.
“I am really excited to see what communities and businesses of Laois and Offaly propose for their areas as they are best placed to develop tourism projects.
“Who better to promote a locality than those who are passionate about it? I have already heard some very interesting ideas from people in both counties and now is the time to be progressing them.
“This funding will act as a catalyst for the transformation of the region, attracting further investment, creating jobs and boosting confidence in our localities.
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