Laois business urged to tap into multi-million euro EU fund

Visitors enjoy Laois landmark Emo Court on Culture Night.

placeholder image — Visitors enjoy Laois landmark Emo Court on Culture Night.

Just Transition money on offer for tourism initiatives

Laois County Council is hosting an information meeting this week which aims to help transform tourism across in Laois and other counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East

The meeting is focused on the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026 Investment Grant Aid Scheme for SMEs and community groups.

The Council says the EU-funded scheme aims to diversify the local economy and provide new employment opportunities for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat.

It says the investment grant-aid scheme for private and community SMEs is the first part of the up to €68 million programme to be delivered by Fáilte Ireland, as part of the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF).

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, the Council says the EU JTF Programme supports regions that are experiencing the negative impacts from the transition away from fossil fuel-intensive or greenhouse-gas-intensive industries, such as the use of peat for energy generation. More below picture.

The Finns at Donaghmore Workhouse Museum.

Applications for the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for private and community SMEs will be assessed by Fáilte Ireland, who will provide guidance on the scheme and offer direct support to applicants. Private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs can find scheme guidelines, useful toolkits and how to register their interest in the scheme at www.failteireland.ie or contact your local activator in Laois for further support.

The fund is open to community groups, and small to medium enterprises, or start-ups who wish to develop a regenerative tourism business in County Laois. Please register your interest with Regina Dunne on [email protected] or phone 0578664016

The meeting takes place on Thursday, January 25 at 7.30pm at THE CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise.

Further information see www.failteireland.ie/Identify-Available-Funding/Just-Transition-Fund/About-EU-JTF.aspx