Projects operating in some counties and munciple districts in the midlands are eligible to apply for up to €1m under a new Just Transition funding call.
The additional funding, under the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF), is for projects that build on the strengths of the local area, have an identified need, and create new job opportunities or increase the sustainability of existing jobs in the territory.
Projects operating in Laois, Offaly, Longford and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth (Co Kildare) are eligible to apply under the new call.
Applicants need to demonstrate alignment with 'Local Economic and Community Plans’ of their respective county, with the closing date for applications 30 September.
Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan said: "This call, under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund programme, represents a further opportunity for local economies to avail of funding that will assist the shift towards a carbon-neutral future.
"This funding will support the development of projects that contribute towards sustainable development in the midlands by creating employment opportunities and enhancing economic diversification."
This is the third funding call that provides direct supports to the implementation of Local and Regional Economic Strategies.
The first call, launched in autumn 2023, targeted local authorities and larger initiatives. A total of 15 projects were selected for a total of €18 million.
A subsequent funding call, the Community and Enterprise Grants scheme, for local community organisations and small-to-medium sized enterprises, launched in early 2024, recently awarded a total of nearly €3.8m of grant funding across 15 sustainability-focused projects.
