Latest news with #EUJustTransitionFund
RTÉ News
06-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Future Cast launches new €1m training centre for mechanical and electrical trades in Ballaghaderreen
A new €1m training centre for mechanical and electrical trades is to open in a previously derelict property in the centre of Ballaghaderreen in Co. Roscommon. The project which is being led by Future Cast has transformed a derelict building in the centre of the town into a purpose built training and assessment. The new Mechanical and Electrical Training and Assessment Centre (METAC) at the Mill Business Park comes with state of the art equipment, 16-person classrooms, and dedicated workshop spaces accommodating eight to ten learners. The centre is being co-funded by the Government of Ireland and EU through the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF), in a scheme administered by Pobal. It is hoped that METAC will breathe new life into a region, which has experienced job losses from the closure of Bord na Mona peat-burning power stations, by re-skilling locals for the future of work. Future Cast CEO JJ O'Hara noted that the opening of hte new centre is a "tangible example of what can be achieved when local innovation meets national support." "Today marks a major milestone for Ballaghaderreen and the Just Transition wider Just Transition region. This centre is about more than just skills development – it's about creating real opportunities for local people," said Mr O'Hara. Future Cast is a not-for-profit centre for innovation, education and R&D for the construction, manufacturing and quarrying industries. Based in Co. Leitrim, it is the trading name of Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG. Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, describes the project as exemplifying the aims of the EU Just Transition Fund programme. "Educating, retraining and upskilling individuals will help to bring job opportunities and economic diversification to communities of a region that has historically depended on the peat industry," said Ms Bannon. "Training programmes like this, which enable diverse and local communities to adapt and thrive in in-demand sectors, are crucial for ensuring an inclusive green and digital transition."
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Funding approved for multi-million-euro waterfront facility in Roscommon
The project, estimated to cost up to €30 million, aims to develop a marina with approximately 50 new berths, a promenade and water activities facilities in Hodson Bay on the shores of Lough Ree. The plan makes provision for enhanced facilities for activities such as boating and swimming. It also allows for a revised access strategy to create a link with the proposed new 'Lough Ree Greenway' in the redeveloped Hodson Bay area. The project is being managed by Roscommon County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland. The latter organisations are providing combined match funding of €320,000. The balance of €1.07 million funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023-2026) under the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) 2021 – 2027. The Just Transition Fund is designed to support EU regions most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy, such as Ireland's Midlands region, where industries such as peat harvesting have declined. Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan said the new development at the Hodson Bay 'will increase capacity for even more visitors to the region and enhance the tourism offering of the region'. Civic Engineers Ltd have been appointed as lead consultants on the project following the signing of contract documents. Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland said that the EU Just Transition Fund is was helping to 'transform the tourism landscape in the Midlands'. 'Roscommon is a key destination in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and we look forward to working closely with Roscommon County Council to deliver this project and support the sustainable development of tourism for the benefit of visitors and communities across the region,' added Mr Mathews. Subject to planning being secured by Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland will investigate all funding opportunities to progress the project elements to construction.
