New Programme to Support Economic Growth in Midlands

Ministers Eamon Ryan and Peter Burke attend launch event in Portlaoise

A new €3.9m project to support the economic growth of Ireland’s Midlands has been launched at the Cube, Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Pathway for Just Transition aims to support the economies of Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. It was launched by Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon TD Ryan, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD in Portlaoise.

The funding for the project is provided by the EU Just Transition Fund: Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

*Minister Peter Burke TD, Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan and Minister Eamon Ryan TD*

Supporting the Midlands Economy in 5 distinct areas

Under the scheme a series of actions will be implemented to support the regions economy in five distinct areas:

Midlands Pathway to Transition – supporting the transition to a net zero economy
Delivering the Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan
Delivering the Midlands ICT Action Plan
Delivering the Midlands Ireland Placemaking Programme
Delivering the Midlands Ireland Regional Food and Drink Strategy

In addition to supporting economic development this Midlands Pathway Plan places a heavy emphasis on education and future skills. There will be an expansion of award-winning regional STEM education programmes, such as Dream Space and VEX Robotics, to over 280 primary and secondary schools across the region. The programme will also support investment in digitalisation and equipment for schools.

Appropriate resourcing will be assigned to ensure the delivery of action plans that have been developed to support the growth of the key enterprise sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, ICT and Food and Drink. In addition, the development of career pathways aims to provide people with upskilling and reskilling opportunities, such as in the area of ICT, where a regional skill survey identifies approximately 800 job openings in the next three years.

Through the appointment of a dedicated team to promote the Midlands there will also be a wide-ranging series of events. These will promote the Midlands as a destination for enterprise investment. Alongside this support events will be held in communities impacted by the transition to help in the establishment of new businesses and social enterprises.

Minister Peter Burke TD with students from Scoil Eoin II Naofa, Ballyroan, demonstrating the VEX Robotics programme, one of many STEM education initiatives expanding to schools across the region with the support of funding from the programme

Developing a more vibrant Midlands in the transition to a green economy

Speaking at the launch, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications said “A just transition is all about ensuring that the benefits and opportunities of the transition to a green economy are shared widely and equally. The purpose of the Just Transition Fund is to help communities not only move towards a new green future, but to ensure that they thrive, that they are great places to live and work and that they have a strong economic path and future. This Enterprise Plan is about hooking into the ingenuity, drive and innovation that is here in the Midlands and turning it into a vibrant economic region that will deliver real improvements for people right across the four counties while also supporting ongoing decarbonisation.”

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said “The Midlands is developing a strong international reputation in ICT and advanced manufacturing clusters as well as growing recognition as an excellent location for food and hospitality. This regional enterprise pathway will facilitate the growth of these sectors, to enhance the region’s economy and provide valuable employment opportunities.”

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, said “The launching of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is an important occasion for not just the EU Just Transition Fund programme but also for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, having been instrumental in the inception of the EUJTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. It is a testament to the Regional Assembly, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Pobal’s commitment to supporting local ideas and innovations for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a climate-neutral economy. This project shows how a regional approach can amplify impacts and we are looking forward to following its progress.”

Focus on key industry growth sectors including ICT, advanced manufacturing and food & drink

Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee said “Today we are commencing not one but five ambitious plans to deliver sustained economy growth in our region. For example, through the ICT cluster we hope to support green and digital innovation across all business sectors. While we will be promoting the region as a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing in Ireland and internationally. Meanwhile the placemaking initiative in promoting the Midlands as a place to live, work, visit and study celebrate all that is great about this vibrant part of the country.”

The initiative will be delivered by the Midland Local Authorities of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath and is scheduled to run until 2026.

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.