Kildare County Council asked about Just Transition Fund in relation to Clane-Maynooth MD

Kildare County Council (KCC) was asked about the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) in relation to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (KCC).

The question was raised by Social Democrats councillor Aidan Farrelly at the latest MD meeting on Friday, September 6 last.

Cllr Farrelly asked KCC if it intends to apply for funding for projects regarding the EU JTF in the MD.

In a lengthy report issued to councillors, KCC said: "The EU JTF is focused on three priority areas of investment, with the six regional delivery partners across multiple funding calls.

"The relevant areas for KCC's Enterprise Economic Development and Tourism Department are within Priority 1:

• Generating employment for former peat communities by investing in the
  diversification of the local economy.
• Support the economic diversification of the local economy through the
  development of the regenerative Tourism sector (Through Fáilte Ireland).
• Support the implementation of local and regional economic strategies (Through Pobal).
• Support research, development, and innovation in the bioeconomy sector."

KCC continued: "The council's Enterprise Economic Development and Tourism Department are currently implementing the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and Tourism Activation Scheme under priority 1 which cover Maynooth-Celbridge MD and Athy MD.

"A funding application to support the implementation of local regional and economic strategies to Pobal has been unsuccessful, and further clarification has been requested from the delivery partner on the decision.

"KCC's Community Department submitted a funding application to Pobal to improve access to Allenwood Community Development Association (ACDAL), the community and enterprise centre located in Northwest Kildare by building a sustainable walk and cycle route to and from the village of Allenwood.

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"This would have resulted in increased access to and from this pivotal centre for the region; this application was not successful.

"A third call under Support to Local and Regional Economic Strategies of €3.7 million to be shared across a number of counties has opened for 'shovel ready' projects only, with a deadline of September 20.

"This call is limited to projects capable of immediate implementation, i.e. planning permission, leases and partnership agreements for operations are already in place, and outcomes for job creation and training are achievable."

KCC stressed that projects 'must also align to the Local Economic and Community Plan actions.'

The council elaborated: "Our priority project in the Maynooth-Celbridge MD, which has been is a feasibility study / business case for the development of an industrial park, is not eligible under the current call.

"The community department is currently supporting the Robertstown Community Amenities Association application, for the development of the Eco Park and Community Space in the third call for funding."

"Please note both MDs will also benefit from investment from the EU JTF through additional projects such as peatland restoration and transport decarbonisation initiatives through the regional delivery partners," KCC concluded.