Laois Offaly TD forecasts €169 mill peat switch boost for Midlands

The Midlands will benefit hugely from a €169m funding boost to support the economic diversification and reconversion of communities in Laois and other counties away from peat, according to a Laois Offaly TD.

Deputy Charlie Flanagan, said he believes the boost will support the creation of new firms and encourage the up- and reskilling of workers.

He explained that the EU Just Transition Fund is a key tool for counties most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality with the 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," he said.

He outlined the four strands under which it can be invested in tourism.

• Trail Development;
• Visitor Amenities;
• Alternative Low Carbon Accommodation;
• 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," said the Fine Gael TD.

“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 Dep Flanagan.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications said the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) is targeted at the Midlands area.

It said the designated territory for this fund includes the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath, and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe (Co. Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth (Co. Kildare), and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co. Tipperary). It says the aim of the fund is to address the long-term economic transition of the region following the end of commercial peat extraction and peat-fired power generation.

The Department added that a formal launch of the programme is being planned for early in 2023.

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