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Closed: EU Just Transition Fund scheme overview

As Ireland moves towards a low-carbon economy, Fáilte Ireland is delivering the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026 as part of the EU Just Transition Fund which is co funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. 

Application statusClosed
Key informationClosed for new applications
CommitmentDependent on scheme
Value of supportVaried
State aidApplicableWhat is this?
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What is the EU Just Transition Fund?

The purpose of the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF), co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, is to assist the territories most affected by the transition to a climate neutral economy. In Ireland this focuses on the wider Midlands region where there have been direct impacts from the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat. 

  • Supporting the shift to a low-carbon economyThe European Commission initiative supported regions and communities most affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Investing in tourism across the MidlandsInvesting €68m in regenerative tourism across the Midlands to create jobs, enhance biodiversity and support thriving communities.
  • Funding practical development projectsSix funding schemes supported visitor experiences, tourism accommodation, trails, digital capability and enterprise development across the region.

What the fund is delivering

Sustainable tourism diversification

€38m towards the diversification of the regional economy through the sustainable development of tourism

Peatland trail network

€30m towards the regeneration and repurposing of peatlands through the development of a network of trails.

Funding schemes

The overall scheme is being delivered through a range of funding programmes, which will run in parallel between now and the end of 2026.

Full beneficiaries list(Opens in new window)

Supported the development of connected walking and cycling trails across former industrial peatlands, helping link towns, villages, and outdoor visitor experiences across the Midlands.

Supported private and community tourism businesses to improve visitor experiences, strengthen digital capability, enhance accessibility, and grow the visitor economy in the EU Just Transition Territory.

Supported local authorities and certain state agencies to improve tourism infrastructure, facilities, and visitor experiences that could benefit communities, businesses, and visitors across the EU Just Transition Territory.

Supported eight local authorities in the EU Just Transition territory to build tourism capacity across the Midlands. Tourism Activators worked with private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs to develop project ideas, strengthen grant applications, and build high-performing tourism networks and clusters.

This scheme provides access to a fully funded tailored programme of tourism skills, capability building and supports for new and existing tourism enterprises and individuals transitioning to tourism in the territory to drive productivity.

Full beneficiaries list(Opens in new window)

Explore the specific requirements and journey milestones of the EU Just Transition Fund.

  • Help and resources

    View information on support, FAQs, and key documents for the EU Just Transition Fund.

  • Funding schemes

    Learn about the six funding schemes delivering EU Just Transition Fund investment across the Irish Midlands.