Breaking: Laois Heritage Site receives 250k in funding

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, today has announced that 15 sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will receive grants under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

The projects put forward by voluntary groups and non-profit organisations were rewarded funding between €50,000 and €300,000.

This funding is aimed to invest in ideas from the community that create employment, and diversify the local economy of the Midlands region. 

A whopping €256,403 has been announced for Poet's Cottage Community Cafe in Camross.

It is one of many local community groups in the Midlands to receive grant funding of nearly €3.8 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme.

“Small-to-medium enterprises and local community organisations are the life blood of a region, creating jobs, helping to diversify the economy and generating ideas and innovation," said Minister Eamon Ryan.

"This funding will empower local organisations to respond to Ireland’s shift to a low-carbon economy, while providing economic and social benefit at a local level for the individuals most impacted by this transition," he finished.

The grants will enable projects to develop initiatives such as innovation and community hubs, green energy projects and heritage initiatives.

Minister of State Sean Fleming TD welcomed the fund, hailing community groups as the 'lifeblood' of communities in Laois.

"This Government funding will support the project in Camross to develop the Poet’s Cottage and create employment for the local economy in the area," said the Minister.

"Small to medium sized local businesses and community groups are the lifeblood of the community in Laois. Camross Heritage group will benefit from this funding to provide a community cafe at Poet’s Cottage.

"Poet’s Cottage is a beautiful amenity in Camross and this project will bring added attraction to the local area and for the local community," he said.

"I want to thank the local community group - Camross Heritage Ltd - and all involved for their work over a long period of time on this local amenity project.

"I look forward to this project being advanced as soon as possible for the local community," Minister Fleming finished.

Laois/Offaly Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan welcomed the announcement this afternoon.

'I welcome confirmation that €256,403  has been awarded to the Poet’s Cottage Community Café," he said.

"I'm delighted for Camross community, which over the years whether in community engagement or on the hurling field continues to show  exemplary community spirit & local team endeavour," Deputy Flanagan said.

Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) also welcomed the announcement.

"Bringing direct financial support to bottom-up ideas not only drives the innovative capacity of the entire region but also fosters vibrant placemaking that enriches the quality of life for its residents. This is crucial for enabling sustainable and inclusive regional development that leaves no one behind," said the director.

The total amount committed to selected projects from the EU Just Transition Fund is now nearly €54 million, following the recent announcement of projects selected through the EU JTF Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme run by Failte Ireland, and the EU JTF Local and Regional Economic Strategy Support Scheme run by Pobal.

Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare welcomed the news, and expressed Pobal's commitment to a low carbon economy.

“We in Pobal look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly on this EU Just Transition Fund scheme to support small organisations to support the decarbonsiation of the Midlands," said the Director.

"By investing in these organisations, communities and enterprises will be supported to build skills, generate jobs, enhance livelihoods and diversify the economy. We look forward also to engaging with these Midland communities as they work to contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy," she finished.

Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, said that 'local projects are key to ensuring that the EU Green Deal has a real impact on the ground.'

"The Just Transition Fund will support Ireland’s Midlands to progress towards a more sustainable economy with local communities in the driving seat," she said.

Projects have been selected through a competitive process under the EU Just Transition Fund’s Community and Enterprise Grants Scheme, which is the second call within the broader Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme.

This current announcement of projects builds upon the previous selection of projects announced on 26 April 2024, in which 15 other projects from the midlands received grants totalling €18 million.