Fifteen projects in the Midlands have been awarded a combined €18m from the European Union's Just Transition Fund programme.
A significant portion of the funding went to two flagship projects for the region.
The 'ReSHAPE- Regional Skills Horizon And Pathways to Employment’ project, led by Munster Technological University, was awarded just over €4.15m.
Meanwhile the ‘Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition’, led by Laois County Council, was awarded almost €4m.
The remaining funding was shared across 13 projects, including a number of co-working hubs, renewable energy and emissions projects and a film project.
The EU’s Just Transition Fund was established to help areas within member states that are being impacted by the move away from emissions-heavy industries.
In Ireland, that is largely focused on the winding down of peat production in the Midlands.
The grants issued through the fund are designed to create employment in the region and help diversify the area’s economy.
The projects were selected through a competitive process, administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
"It is imperative that communities and workers who are most affected by the shift to a carbon neutral future are provided with targeted supports to address the social and economic impact of the transition," said Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan.
"The changes we need to make have to be just, ensuring that the needs of people and planet are supported.
"This will help build new economic strength and identity for the region while also supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy."
"These selected projects highlight the ingenuity and locally-conceived ideas that have the potential to make a lasting impact on the wider Midland region," said Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
"We also extend our gratitude to all the applicants for their submissions, which have shown dedication to the opportunity that exists in the region."
