Longford MEP says 'vital' European amendments can provide 'lifeline' for workers, businesses, and communities

Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has put forward two vital amendments in the European Parliament to provide a lifeline for workers, businesses, and communities in Ireland’s Midlands applying for JTF support.

These changes for which he has support within his centralist political group, give more time and flexibility to deliver projects that create jobs and regenerate the economy in a region hit hard by the closure of carbon-intensive industries.

The Midlands—covering Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon, Kildare, Tipperary and parts of Galway —has undergone a dramatic transition.

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The closure of ESB’s West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations, alongside the wind-down of Bord na Móna’s peat operations, led to the loss of up to 1,000 jobs in two to three years. By contrast, countries such as Poland have been given decades for a similar transition.

The EU Just Transition Fund, with up to €169 million allocated to Ireland, supports such regions with funding for jobs, skills, and economic diversification. The Fund in Ireland is overseen by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), with funding administered by Fáilte Ireland and Pobal, and county councils as key applicants and delivery partners.

Mullooly’s said the amendments will firstly extend the eligibility period for Ireland’s standalone JTF by one year and secondly sure the Midlands has the same flexibility as other EU regions with ERDF-linked JTF programmes, promoting fairness.

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“I know first-hand the difficulties from the transition and the funding designed to support people,” said MEP Mullooly. “As a former JTF activator, I helped people navigate applications and secure funding for vital jobs. I am aware of the red tape, tight timelines, and project pressures. These amendments allow an extra 12 months for projects to start.”

Mullooly is pleased many he supported are now receiving funding. Recent announcements include over €4.2 million awarded to 15 tourism projects, including cycling and walking tours, eco-friendly glamping, and visitor facility upgrades, with a further €18 million recently allocated to community and innovation hubs, skills training, and heritage refurbishment projects across the region.

“My experience—from volunteering and guiding others, to now as an MEP and Rapporteur draft person of the report on the future of the JTF Fund across the EU—gives me a full understanding of the fund. I am committed to ensuring the JTF delivers for the Midlands and similar regions across Europe.”

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