Full house at Longford Just Transition Activation information briefing

Over fifty tourism service operators, community group representatives and accommodation providers from county Longford attended the first information briefing organised by Longford County Council on the new EU Just Transition Fund for regenerative tourism projects this week.

The new grants are aimed at supporting communities across Europe who have been the most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality by addressing employment, economic, social, and environmental issues.
Aligning with the National Climate Action Plan in Ireland, the EU JTF is focused on the wider Midlands region which has been impacted by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat.

Failte Ireland will be operating the new regenerative tourism scheme and 18 Million euro is to be made available under the fund which is ONLY open to the tourism sector in 5 counties - Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon, Laois, and Offaly and just to two smaller municipal areas in parts of Kildare, Tipperary, and Galway.

Grainne Cornally, of Failte Ireland attended this week’s meeting to outline details of the new funds alongside the EUJTF Tourism Activator Ciaran Mullooly and acting director of services Michael Nevin of Longford county council.
Under the scheme there are four categories of support available for applicants with tourism attractions, accommodation, capital plans and accessibility requirements.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray welcomed the turn out. “I’m delighted to see this level of interest in enhancing Longford’s tourism output. This fund is a wonderful opportunity for local operators and entrepreneurs to develop ideas or current offerings and we look forward to seeing the results.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “The opportunity being presented to Longford through the Just Transition Fund is one that Longford County Council is committed to realising, by supporting businesses and creating the right environment for new investment. This information night was a welcome first step in that process.”

For further information on the Just Transition funding opportunities or to speak to the Tourism Activator, please email cmullooly@longfordcoco.ie or call Ciaran at 087 064 92 87.