EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator Appointed at Kildare County Council
3rd April 2024: Kildare County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of an EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator. Helen Mulhall, will play a pivotal part in supporting and guiding private and community-based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing high-quality project proposals and grant applications through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme
Helen brings a wealth of experience in the local development sector having previously successfully worked on developing and managing various projects as a Development Officer with County Kildare LEADER Partnership. In her new role, she will assist eligible Kildare businesses and community groups in creating quality project proposals and grant applications, ensuring compliance with the EU requirements while fostering collaboration and building networks.
The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a newly established fund operating under Regulation (EU) (2021/1056), within the framework of the EU Cohesion policy for the programming period 2021-2027. The fund aims to support regions and communities negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality, addressing employment, economic, social, and environmental impacts. In Ireland, the focus is on regions impacted by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat.
The Fáilte Ireland Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs is open for Expressions of Interest from Private & Community SMEs. The scheme aims to improve the visitor experience, secure overnight stays, offer them more activities and facilities to encourage them to stay longer in the Midlands and enhance digital capabilities in tourism businesses.
Categories for Funding:
- Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences
- Development of Sustainable/Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation
- Capital Project Planning & Design
- Digital Transformation
- Accessibility Enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
Private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs interested in applying for funding should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form via Fáilte Ireland’s online trade portal. The closing date for Categories 1, 2, 3, and 5 is June 30, 2024, with funded projects expected to be completed by August 2026.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD says “The opening of the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme by Fáilte Ireland marks the beginning of the regenerative tourism development journey in Ireland, as we work towards a low carbon economy. This scheme is in line with the Programme for Government commitment for the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy which will support sustainable economic development and job creation. Working with all partners and communities on the ground I am confident that this scheme will help to transform tourism in the Midlands and enable the regional economies to thrive.”
More information, guidelines and detailed terms and conditions are available on the Fáilte Ireland website: https://www.failteireland.ie/JustTransition.aspx
For further inquiries or assistance, please contact Helen Mulhall at hmulhall@kildarecoco.ie
