The EU Just Transition Fund is a €169 million multi-annual programme. It is managed in Ireland by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA). Fáilte Ireland acts as an intermediary body, with responsibility for administering €68 million of the fund through the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. This role is consistent with Fáilte Ireland’s responsibility for regional tourism development and promotion.
The Midlands of Ireland was at an early stage of destination maturity and was relatively underdeveloped in terms of tourism experiences. As a result, a need was identified to ensure that investment under the Just Transition Fund was supported by measures to enhance the capacity and capability of the tourism industry. To address this funding was provided to appoint one full-time or part-time Tourism Activator in each of the eight participating County Councils (Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Galway and Tipperary) within the Just Transition Fund Territory. The purpose of these roles was to build capacity among private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs and to establish a series of high performing tourism business clusters and networks.
These Tourism Activators have been funded directly through the EU Just Transition Fund allocation. At this stage, the funds managed by Fáilte Ireland under this programme have been fully allocated, and therefore no additional funding is available. This, coupled with the strict funding parameters of the Scheme, requires the Tourism Activator projects to be completed by 31 December 2026.
Fáilte Ireland is putting in place a transition plan that will set out how the Tourism Activators will systematically wind down their activities over the final six months of 2026. It will clearly define the work that must be completed, transferred, or concluded, as well as outlining how responsibilities will be handed over to relevant stakeholders.
These engagements will ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of priorities, responsibilities, and timelines, and will inform the development of a comprehensive workplan for the Tourism Activators as the key outcome of the transition planning process.
Importantly, these supports will extend beyond the EU Just Transition Fund programme and will be embedded within Fáilte Ireland’s broader approach to regional tourism development. This will include integration into established tourism networks and alignment with Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Experience Development Plans.
My Department recognises the importance of maintaining momentum in tourism development across the region and remains committed to supporting sustainable tourism development and to working closely with all stakeholders to maximise the long-term economic and community benefits of the Just Transition investment.
