Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has welcomed the European Commission’s adoption of Ireland’s Territorial “Just Transition Plan” .
The adoption of the “Just Transition Plan” confirms significant Ireland/EU funding to support the Midlands region, as Ireland moves away from fossil fuels. The tourism element of the “Just Transition Plan” includes allocations of €38 million under Regenerative Tourism business supports and €30 million for a Tourism Trails Network.
Eight midland counties are expected to benefit from the allocation.
The eight counties expected to receive funding include Co. Tipperary, Co. Laois, Co. Westmeath, Co. Offaly, Co. Longford, Co. Roscommon, Co. Galway and Co. Kildare; all targeted areas that were previously heavily dependent on peat production.
CEO of Fáilte Ireland Mr Paul Kelly said: “This investment reinforces the value of tourism to the economic well-being and development of a destination. I want to pay tribute to the team at Fáilte Ireland for their tireless work over a number of months on developing our successful submission to the EU. The allocation to Fáilte Ireland is recognition of our expertise as the National Tourism Development Authority to deliver projects of scale that will create jobs, empower businesses and build stronger communities leaving a lasting legacy of transformative change that will enhance the appeal of the Midlands as a tourist destination for generations to come. It is an unprecedented investment in tourism, and one that is going to have a tangible economic impact in the towns and communities of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East
Fáilte Ireland is looking forward to working collaboratively with local tourism businesses and communities, the East and Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA), Bord na Mona, Local Authorities, and our strategic partners including Waterways Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte, to deliver this transformational project of scale.”
This EU “Just Transition Fund” in Ireland has 3 priority areas for investment:
- Generating employment through diversification of the local economy.
- Restoration of degraded peatlands and regeneration of industrial heritage assets.
- Smart and sustainable mobility.
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