Lifeline Amendments for the Midlands: Why I’m Fighting for More Time and Fairness in Just Transition Funding

As MEP for the Midlands-North-West, I have put forward two vital amendments in the European Parliament to provide a real lifeline for workers, businesses, and communities in Ireland’s Midlands applying for EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) support. With strong backing from my centrist political group, these changes are designed to give people on the ground more time and flexibility to deliver projects that create jobs and help regenerate our local economy—especially as we continue to feel the impact of the rapid closure of carbon-intensive industries.

Our region—Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon, Kildare, Tipperary, and parts of Galway—has faced a dramatic and difficult transition. The sudden closure of ESB’s West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations, alongside the wind-down of Bord na Móna’s peat operations, led to the loss of up to 1,000 jobs in just two to three years. By comparison, countries like Poland have been given decades to manage similar transitions.

The EU Just Transition Fund, with up to €169 million allocated to Ireland, was set up to support regions like ours with funding for jobs, skills, and economic diversification. In Ireland, the Fund is overseen by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), with funding administered by Fáilte Ireland and Pobal, and county councils playing a key role as applicants and delivery partners.

My amendments will:

• Extend the eligibility period for Ireland’s standalone JTF by one year, giving communities breathing space to deliver projects.
• Ensure the Midlands has the same flexibility as other EU regions with ERDF-linked JTF programmes, so we’re treated fairly.

I know first-hand the difficulties people face—not just from the transition itself, but also from the complex funding process. As a former JTF activator, I helped people navigate applications and secure vital funding. I’ve seen the red tape, tight timelines, and project pressures up close. These amendments can give everyone an extra 12 months to get projects off the ground.

It’s a privilege to see many people I supported now receiving funding. Recent announcements include over €4.2 million for 15 tourism projects—ranging from cycling and walking tours to eco-friendly glamping and visitor facility upgrades—with a further €18 million recently allocated to community and innovation hubs, skills training, and heritage refurbishment across the region.

From volunteering locally to now serving as MEP and Rapporteur draft person of the report on the future of the JTF Fund across the EU—gives me a full understanding of the fund. I am committed to ensuring the JTF delivers for the Midlands and similar regions across Europe to edit.