Just transition funding will help create sustainable communities in Longford and the Midlands

Funding for projects in Longford and the Midlands approved under the Just Transition Fund is positive and will benefit our communities, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Micheál Carrigy was speaking after the Cabinet approved funding of €108 million for Bord na Móna’s large-scale peatlands restoration project.

In further good news for the region, provisional offers of funding, totaling €27.8 million, were also made for 47 projects in the Midlands under the Just Transition Fund.

Senator Carrigy said, “This funding is crucial as it will support communities in the Midlands who have been impacted by Just Transition and make this region a location for green and sustainable investment.

“The successful projects, which have been offered funding greater than €100,000 each, include a €1 million project to build a Further Education and Training Digital Learning Hub on the LWETB Longford campus.

“The Hub will encompass an online test centre, classrooms and practical workshop spaces. The Hub will be used by learners in the Wider Midland region to undertake skills programmes which will lead to specialisations in ICT, horticulture, aquaculture, construction and manufacturing in keeping with the ethos of Just Transition.

“Another project for Longford and surrounding counties includes an Employment Development Information Centre Transition Campus. Lanesboro Food Hub received an offer of €1 million in funding, and Lanesboro Tourism Hub was allocated, €212,000.  Lough Ree Access for All , Lough Ree Distillery and The Yard Hub were among the successful applicants.

“The level of funding shows the Government’s commitment to investment in the Midlands and training and reskilling so local businesses and communities can adjust to a low-carbon transition.”