Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), in collaboration with Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Midlands Campus in Athlone today brought together five key projects funded by the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) who are driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands region for a panel discussion, dubbed “Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands”. 

The EU JTF aims to support the most negatively impacted regions and communities across Europe that are affected by the transition to climate neutrality by providing funding to enable sustainable innovation across the region. In Ireland the EU JTF programme focuses on the wider Midlands area, and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. 

Welcoming attendees to the event included Lorna Walsh, Director of Research Support Services at TUS Midlands, Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, representative from DG REGIO (Department for regional and urban policy) of the European Commission, and Terry Connolly, Programme Manager of the EU Just Transition Fund in EMRA.  

Green Futures Panel Discussion

A panel of five projects then were invited to share their experiences so far and how the projects will impact the region. 

The five projects and speakers who participated in the panel moderated by Bernie Roe, Assistant Director, EU Just Transition Fund and Corporate in EMRA, included:

• Brendan Flanagan, Founder of Ethical Tours and EU JTF beneficiary, who shared insights on sustainable tourism.
• Jennifer Payne, Business Development Manager, CycleUp Textiles, who discussed the circular economy practices and community empowerment through textile upcycling.
• Stephen Napier, CEO of Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, who explored the innovations in sustainable biotechnologies.
• Professor Neil Rowan, Lead Principal Investigator, Mount Lucas Circular Bioeconomy Aquaculture Initiative, who presented advancements in circular aquaculture.
• Carmel Halligan, REshape, Programme Manager, highlighting TUS’s role in skills development for a low-carbon economy.

Transforming Midlands communities through sustainable innovation

Commenting on the event, EMRA Programme Manager, Terry Connolly, said: “The EU Just Transition is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, harnessing our abilities in sustainable innovation and economic transformation. Today’s event showcased how these projects are not only addressing climate neutrality but also creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and local communities to thrive in a greener future.”

Director of Research Support Services, TUS Midlands, Lorna Walsh, added “TUS Midlands are honoured to play host to today’s event which showcases the very best of what the Midlands has to offer in driving sustainable innovations across Ireland. Becoming carbon neutral is a tremendous task, and the collective efforts as demonstrated by our panelists and the EU JTF programme today are playing their role in future-proofing Ireland’s economy. At TUS, we are proud to support initiatives that align education, research, and enterprise to advance sustainability and build resilient communities in the Midlands.”

Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, programme manager for the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland at DG REGIO, European Commission, also added: “I was happy for the opportunity to contribute to today’s event on the EU Just Transition Fund and to hear from projects that showcase what the fund is all about. The EU JTF represents our commitment to supporting the Midlands area in transitioning away from peat for electricity generation. Thanks to the fund, new jobs are being created in green sectors such as sustainable tourism and the bioeconomy, contributing to the economic diversification of the Midlands area. It is an opportunity for everyone who wants to contribute to a greener and stronger Midlands, and I encourage potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To learn more about the EU Just Transition Fund, read here.