Longford voices lead Midlands conference on progress and innovation

Community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers from across Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath gathered at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel recently for the “Pathways to Progress: Real Stories, Real Impact” Midlands Ireland Conference. 

The event celebrated the achievements of the Midlands Ireland Project and the profound regional shift driven by the EU Just Transition Fund.

​Once defined by peat and energy production, the Midlands is pivoting toward a future built on diversification and innovation. 

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Hosted by broadcaster and journalist Ella McSweeney, the conference marked the conclusion of the current project phase, showcasing how strategic investment in tourism, community development, STEM engagement, and local food networks is translating into tangible change for the region.

Fiona McCormack of The Farmhouse Bees and Trees Ltd, Abbeyshrule

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

​For many local business owners, the support from the EU Just Transition Fund was the catalyst for turning a vision into reality.

​Brendan Flanagan of Ethical Tours, Ballymahon, Longford said, “Certainly, without the funding from EU Just Transition, I wouldn’t have taken that risk that I took in setting the business up.”

​This sentiment was echoed by Enda Macken, owner of Firecracker Saunas in Longford, who highlighted how the funding fosters local pride and employment.

“The impact of this funding is making the Midlands more liveable. I am so proud to be able to employ local people... it’s all the little experiences that add to the area to make it a great place to live.”

​Brendan Flanagan of Ethical Tours, Ballymahon

Community Led Transition

The Conference highlighted how community-led initiatives, supported through Just Transition funding, are creating new opportunities for local employment, tourism and social enterprise across the Midlands.

Linda Kelly, Manager at Kilcormac Development Association, spoke about the growth in community - led social enterprises in Kilcormac, She noted the role that the funding has played in enabling these initiatives which are creating employment and strengthening the community.

This sentiment was echoed by Aidan Hynes representing the Poets Cottage Community Café in Camross, County Laois who stated that the investment into the Poets Cottage has "created opportunities for some local employment" and allowed " people in the area to create social connections".

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​A Growing Ecosystem of Innovation

​The conference highlighted the success of cross-sector partnerships, such as the Midlands Flavours food network and the STEM engagement initiatives.

​Barbara Quinn, Programme Manager with Ericsson’s INFUSE programme, said, “Having that eco-system that we have now built has expanded our potential no end. It has made everybody work closely together - getting industry involved. It’s just amazing what we have managed to achieve.”

Enda Macken, owner of Firecracker Saunas in Leebeen Park, Aughnacliffe

​Building a Sustainable Future

​The overarching message of the day was clear: the Midlands’ greatest strength lies in its creativity and collaborative spirit.

By investing in people and skills, the region is successfully moving away from traditional industries toward a sustainable, inclusive, and diversified economy.