The EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) is a €169 million investment programme, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland. It supports communities across Europe who have been the most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality by addressing employment, economic, social and environmental issues to ensure the transition is fair and just, and nobody is left behind. Aligning with the National Climate Action Plan in Ireland, the EU JTF is focused on the wider Midlands region which has been impacted by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat. The EU JTF targets the areas most negatively affected by the closure of peat-reliant power stations. The designated EU JTF Region in Ireland is defined as the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (Co. Galway), Athy, Clane-Maynooth, (Co. Kildare), Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co Tipperary).
EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-27
The EU JTF will support investment in the EU JTF territory via three priority areas:
- Priority 1: Generating employment by investing in the diversification of the local economy
- Priority 2: Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets
- Priority 3: Providing smart and sustainable mobility options to enable local communities to benefit directly from the green transition
Sustainable Extension of Viking 1
Statement of Appreciation
Viking Tours is honoured and expresses sincere gratitude to Fáilte Ireland for awarding us a grant of €297,600 under the EU Just Transition Fund Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs. This generous support represents a vital investment in the future of the tourism sector in the Midlands and will significantly enhance our ability to offer unique and memorable experiences to both domestic and international visitors.
With this funding, we will be able to enhance wheelchair accessibility onboard, lengthen our themed-vessel to increase passenger capacity and reduce our environmental impact by transitioning the vessel to biofuel (HVO). On completion, we will have more eco-tourism offerings together with cultural and heritage experiences that will create positive ripple effects for our community, our hospitality partners, and the broader regional economy.
We thank the Government of Ireland, the EU and Fáilte Ireland for their continued commitment to revitalising and growing tourism in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and we are proud to contribute to making our region a top destination for sustainable tourism.
The Sustainable Extension of Viking 1 is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.
For further information please visit Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and EU Funds
