Smyth welcomes €169m Just Transition funding for region

Cllr Hazel Smyth has welcomed EU approval for a significant €169 million Just Transition Fund for the midlands, including Westmeath.

The Just Transition Plan sets out how the fund will be invested between now and 2027 across a range of areas to address the transition to climate neutrality in a region which has been economically and historically connected to peat production.

One key element of the plan is the allocation of nearly €70m for tourism - including €38 million under Regenerative Tourism business supports and €30 million for a Tourism Trails Network.

Cllr. Hazel Smyth says that the funding will help communities in the region over the coming years.

“We all know that we need to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels, but at the same time we must protect those who are vulnerable because of this dependence. The people of Westmeath need this support for their jobs, their families, and their communities. The money will go to generating new employment in Westmeath, restoring our peatlands, creating new tourism opportunities, and providing more sustainable transport options.

“The Green Party is determined to listen to the needs of our midlands communities as we move forward towards meeting our ambitious climate action goals, and I am delighted to welcome this funding on behalf of the Longford Westmeath Green Party."

The designated regions for this fund includes the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath, and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy and Clane-Maynooth (Co Kildare), and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co Tipperary).

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said;

“The idea of a Just Transition is one of the founding principles of the Green Party, so I am delighted that we have secured agreement on Ireland’s overall programme. This Just Transition approach will allow Ireland to green its economy in a way that is as fair and as inclusive as possible, leaving no one behind.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, said;

“The Just Transition Funding is a significant step for a new kind of tourism in Ireland, as we work to reduce our emissions in line with the Climate Action Plan. This investment is also very much in line with the Programme for Government commitment for the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy, which will hopefully boost economic output from tourism while maintaining our natural resources.”