EU funding boost for six Longford-led projects
Funding has been allocated for six projects in Longford under the EU Just Transition Fund including Phase 2 - Old Post Office Energy Retrofit in Longford Town, Longford Branch Library Energy Retrofit and Connolly Barracks Outbuildings
SIX Longford-led projects have been selected to receive funding under the EU Just Transition Fund, paving the way for investment in energy efficiency, greenways and community infrastructure across the county.
Pending the finalisation of grant agreements, these projects will be provided with significant funding to support the delivery of strategic actions within Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs). This targeted support will boost social and environmental resilience of communities in the Midlands.
Projects have been selected through a competitive call under the EU Just Transition Fund Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) scheme, administered by Pobal on behalf of the department. This call was aimed at funding strategic actions contained within the LA CAPs in Local Authorities located within the EU Just Transition Territory. START is co-funded by the Government and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.
The projects approved for funding will deliver significant benefits to the region, including:
Upgrades to recreational spaces, including greenways, walking paths and parks;
active travel routes;
carbon reduction improvements in public and community buildings, including leisure centres and libraries; and
feasibility studies to support future local climate action.
Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said:
“This funding under the START scheme co-funded by the EU Just Transition Fund and Government commits to supporting transition and climate action delivery.”
“This funding is needed in Longford, and it is great to see the successful projects receiving this investment. The successful projects include Phase 2 - Old Post Office Energy Retrofit in Longford Town, Longford Branch Library Energy Retrofit, Lanesboro Masterplan, Decarbonisation of Áras an Chontae, Connolly Barracks Outbuildings and Public Realm Feasibility Study, Clondra to Termonbarry Greenway Stage (ii) Design and Stage (iii) Tender Preparation.”
Deputy Carrigy continued; “These projects are locally led, it’s important that climate action responds to the needs and opportunities of our communities.”
“The funding for the Lanesboro Masterplan will fund the preparation of a feasibility study, environmental assessments, and masterplan for a 6-acre site in Lanesboro, Co Longford, to guide its regeneration as a sustainable civic cluster adjacent to the former power station lands and Lough Ree SPA.”
“This is a great project which greatly deserves the investment and support providing regeneration since the closure of Lough Ree Power,” concluded Deputy Carrigy.
Pobal have now contacted the projects that applied under START and invited those that have been selected for funding to begin grant agreement negotiations.
Further information on the START scheme can be found on the Pobal website.