Four projects to receive €3.5m under Just Transition Fund
Four projects in Westmeath are to benefit from €3.51 million of a €36 million investment in climate action initiatives across the midlands announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien. The largest allocation for Westmeath is €2.6 million for the rehabilitation of the Blackhall site in Mullingar.
The funding, provided through the EU Just Transition Fund ‘Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory’ (START) scheme, will support four Westmeath projects to improve Active Travel, regenerate vacant land and explore opportunities for renewable energy and community infrastructure. The Blackhall funding will support archaeological, environmental and infrastructure enabling works to rehabilitate the 1.3-hectare brownfield site at Blackhall Place.
Westmeath County Council plan to construct the 9,246 sqm regional sports complex at Blackhall, to feature a 25m swimming pool, teaching pool, splash pad, 12-court sports hall, gym, and sensory room.
A further €550,000 is allocated for a 1.3km off-road pedestrian and cycle route that will connect Ballinahown with the Bord na Móna Greenway network.
Two feasibility studies will also receive funding: €251,191 is allocated to a Westmeath County-Wide Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Feasibility Study, to examine the potential for solar PV generation and battery on council properties. Options to be assessed include rooftop solar arrays, solar car ports and installations in public spaces.
The remaining €107,000 will fund a feasibility study into the proposed co-located county archives and library extension in Athlone.
Minister Peter Burke stated: “Together these investments represent further progress toward delivering a state-of the art sports and swimming facility that will benefit Mullingar and the midlands for generations to come.
“I will continue to work at cabinet level to see this project progress and deliver the facilities that our community deserves.”
Minister Robert Troy stated: “From improving local amenities to making public buildings more energy efficient, these projects will make our communities better places to live, work, and visit.”
The four Westmeath allocations form part of 33 local authority-led projects selected for funding across the EU Just Transition Territory, which includes Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Longford and Roscommon, as well as designated areas in Galway, Tipperary and Kildare.
While €30 million was initially allocated to the START scheme, Minister O’Brien confirmed that a further €6 million in government funding is available following the high standard of applications received.
He said the total investment would allow all 33 selected projects to proceed and would help enhance the midlands as a place to live, work, invest and visit.
The scheme is co-funded by the government and the EU to support communities affected by the transition away from peat production and peat-fired electricity generation to a low-carbon economy.
The funding will support practical climate action measures, including improvements to recreational spaces, active travel infrastructure, energy efficiency in public buildings and feasibility studies for future developments.
Pobal, which administers the scheme on behalf of the department, has contacted successful applicants and invited them to begin grant agreement negotiations. The allocations remain subject to the finalisation of those agreements.