Four Laois projects to receive combined €2 million in climate funding
Savoy Cinema Portarlington Regeneration Project and Portlaoise Leisure Centre among recipients of EU and government funding for climate action projects
Four Laois projects have received over €2 million combined in climate action funding.
Portarlington Leisure Centre will receive the greatest sum, €727,345, to fund the decarbonisation and upgrade of critical heating, ventilation and environmental control infrastructure. The project includes the replacement of an ageing end-of-life plant and the installation of modern low-carbon systems.
Portlaoise Leisure Centre will also receive funding for decarbonisation. It has been allocated €725,944 to fund the upgrade and decarbonisation of critical energy infrastructure, including replacement of the ageing Combined Heat and Power heating system and associated Air Handling Units approaching end-of-life.
The Brittas Woods Sustainable Connectivity Feasibility Study will receive €299,600 to fund the preliminary design, stakeholder engagement, scheme design, and Part 8 planning process for the Brittas Woods connectivity project. The investment will support high-precision drone and LiDAR surveys to identify the most sustainable and cost-effective route, which includes engineering design to ensure accessibility for wheelchairs, buggies, and users of varying mobility levels.
The Savoy Cinema Portarlington Regeneration Project will receive €257,649 to fund feasibility, technical, environmental and conservation assessments, develop design options, complete all necessary surveys and reports, and prepare the project to Part 8 planning stage.
The Laois projects are among 33 local authority-led projects across the midlands receiving climate action funding under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Pending the completion of grant agreements, the selected projects will receive more than €36 million in funding.
The projects were selected through a competitive process under the Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) scheme, which is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.
The scheme is designed to support the implementation of strategic climate actions in local authorities located within the EU Just Transition Territory – regions with high dependence on fossil fuel and carbon-intensive industries.
The START scheme is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU.
Announcing the funding, Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “This investment under the START scheme, co-funded by the EU Just Transition Fund and the Government, underlines the Government’s commitment to both a just transition and accelerating local authority climate action and delivery. While €30 million was allocated for this scheme initially, the quality of projects submitted was to such a high standard that I am delighted to allocate a further €6 million in Government funding. This total funding will allow 33 projects to go ahead. I am looking forward to seeing the broad range of projects progress which will further enhance the wider Midlands region as a place to live, work, invest and visit.”
Laois TDs William Aird and Sean Fleming also welcomed the announcement.
Speaking this morning, Deputy Aird said: “This significant investment will support local authorities in delivering ambitious climate action projects while ensuring that communities across the Midlands benefit from the opportunities presented by the transition to a more sustainable economy. The funding will strengthen local resilience, support environmental improvements and help create a more sustainable future for the region.”
Deputy Fleming said: “I ask Laois County Council to proceed with these projects as urgently as possible and I look forward to seeing the progress which will further enhance Laois.”