Longford tourism businesses urged to apply for digital funding under Just Transition

Longford County Council is calling on local business owners to seize the opportunity and apply for funding under the EU Just Transition Fund's Digital Transformation Programme.
The grant aid offers 100% funding and a specialist consultant's expertise in the vital digital transformation field.
A local information meeting will be hosted by Longford County Council in PV’s Red Room, Ballymahon Streeet, Longford, on Thursday, February 8 at 7pm for anyone interested in learning more.
Longford County Council's new Tourism Activator, Ciaran Mullooly, who is dedicated to facilitating tourism-related projects under the EU Just Transition Programme, will be on hand to assist with application development or review of ideas and projects.
Under the Just Transition Fund, Longford is one of five counties eligible to access a total of €17 million allocated to the tourism sector. Private and community-led businesses in Westmeath, Roscommon, Laois, and Offaly, as well as from two smaller municipal areas in Kildare and Galway may all apply.
The first scheme, the Digital Transformation Grant, is currently open for Expressions of Interest (EOI), and submissions must be made before 30 January 2024. Successful applicants will have access to grants ranging from €7,500 to €58,000 over two years, specifically dedicated to developing a business website.
Fáilte Ireland and leading industry experts will closely collaborate with businesses to identify their specific digital needs. This support aims to enhance their online presence, drive more business, boost productivity, and save valuable time and money.
Expressions of Interest may be submitted on the EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme page on the Failte Ireland website.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray said, "I'm looking forward to the great opportunities that this funding source will open up for County Longford, allowing tourists to fully appreciate what this beautiful county has to offer. I would encourage anyone with even an inkling of an idea to come forward to our new Tourism Activator for support in working it out."
Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, "Longford's new Tourism Activator will offer dedicated support to those looking to transform business ideas and opportunities into viable and sustainable additions to the county, further rejuvenating rural communities and economies in the county that need it."
To contact the Just Transition Tourism Activator for further information, or to discuss ideas and proposals, please email Ciaran at cmullooly@longfordcoco.ie or call 043 334 33 00.