A new Community and Enterprise Grants scheme has been launched for local Laois community groups and small-to-medium sized organisations, as part of the EU Just Transition Fund for counties in the Midlands.
These local organisations will be able to apply for funding of up to €300,000 for projects that build on the strengths of the local area to create new job opportunities.
The grant will target:
- Supports for energy and resource efficiency,
- Building retrofits and renewable energy,
- Recycling initiatives,
- Projects that support digitalisation and connectivity to open up new employment options in the area and supports for new projects in the low-carbon sector.
Ireland is set to receive up to €84.5 million from the EU Just Transition Fund over the period to 2027.
The Irish Government will match that funding, meaning up to €169 million will be available.
As required in legislation, Ireland has prepared a Territorial Just Transition Plan and accompanying Programme setting out the activities the Fund supports.
As well as Laois, the territory takes in Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, and parts of Kildare, Tipperary and Galway
The scheme will also focus on projects that support education, skills training and social inclusion and projects that contribute to nature restoration and regeneration.
Laois Offaly TD Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State, welcomed the news, saying:
“This scheme will help to encourage job creation and also contribute to positive change in the Midlands.
“I encourage all of those community organisations or small-to-medium sized businesses in Laois, with related project ideas, to apply.
“It is important that there is a strong number of applications from Laois for this substantial funding opportunity.”
Applications can be made through the Pobal website and the closing date is February 22, 2024.
