MEP Ciaran Mullooly secures vital support for creation of special economic zone in Longford

Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly has secured overwhelming support from the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee (REGI) for his reform report on the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF).

The report was adopted by the EU Committee in recent days and it will now proceed to a full Parliament vote in September.

Mr Mullooly said the REGI development has set the stage for a more ambitious, accessible, and effective “JTF 2.0” with increased funding and 'slashed red tape' to support communities facing the challenges of climate transition.

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The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is the EU’s main tool to support regions and workers most affected by the shift to climate neutrality.

A total of €169 million has been allocated to the Midlands until 2027 to help diversify local economies and reskill workers as peat extraction ends.

However, complex applications, short timelines, and low awareness have limited the fund’s impact for transitioning communities. Mr Mullooly stated that when the JTF came to Ireland it was already 'largely too late'.

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"We had no Just transition and I want to address the damage that this has caused right across the midlands," he added.

Mr Mullooly’s REGI adopted measures call for immediate pre-financing for community groups applying for JTF grants, easing the need for risky matched funding loans and making funding accessible from the start.

He said the 'JTF 2.0' can also boost investment in training major new investment in apprenticeships and training, especially in Offaly, Longford, Roscommon, and the worst-affected areas.

Mr Mullooly said it can also lead to the creation of special economic zones in Offaly and Longford, where jobs were lost, with greater targeted investment and tax incentives to attract new business and replace lost jobs.

Other radical action points he has included are the appointment of dedicated town and village grant managers to lead funding applications and provide hands-on support to local groups and accelerated planning for areas hit by ESB and Bord na Móna closures, ensuring regeneration projects can start without delay.