Tipperary County Council announce new appointment

Tipperary County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mairéad Winters as its new EU Just Transition Fund (JFT) Tourism Activator. 

Her appointment follows Fáilte Ireland’s roll-out of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026.

The purpose of the scheme is to deliver grant aid to private and community-based micro-enterprises and SMEs to help them improve the quality of the visitor experience with the ambition of attracting more visitors, increasing their dwell time, and securing overnight stays in the region because the visitor has confidence that there are lots to see and do. This will create new jobs in the sector, build on regenerative tourism, and grow the visitor economy whilst ensuring an increase in the levels of inclusivity in tourism in the Just Transition Territory of Carrick and Thurles. 

Following her appointment, Ms. Winters is hosting a series of information sessions about her role and the rollout of the EU JTF fund. If you wish to access key information about how to access the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, the following seminars are being held to guide you on your business journey; 

Roscrea Library, Roscrea Wednesday 10th of April from 6 pm until 7.30 pm 

The Carraig Hotel, Carrick On Suir, 15th of April from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm 

Anner Hotel, Thurles Tuesday 23rd of April from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm 

The seminars will provide an overview of potential funding opportunities for SMEs and community groups within the Thurles and Carrick MDs. The information session will identify potential business opportunities that will support the tourism offering in the EU Just Transition area of Tipperary. 

Tourism providers and community groups can register for attendance to their preferred information session to mairéad.winters@tipperarycoco.ie 

Ms. Winters said she was excited by the opportunities presented within the role “The EU JTF has the potential to regenerate and transform rural tourism and enhance urban settings in both Carrick and Thurles Municipal Districts by providing an opportunity to create and strengthen sustainable tourism projects that are accessible and regenerative in its attractiveness to potential visitors whilst creating an economic generator for local communities”

The fund also has the potential to create new jobs in rural and smaller towns in our county while offering a unique tourism offer to potential visitors. The information session will provide detailed information on eligible criteria concerning the strands of funding, the event is an invitation to all groups to attend this information session and engage with potential funding opportunities that can contribute to enhancing this unique destination!” remarked Ms Winters. 

In her role, Ms. Winters will assist eligible entities in accessing funding to deliver regenerative tourism-led projects in Thurles and Carrick on Suir MDs. 

The EU JFT program is also designed to build upon business accessibility and know-how to advance the professional development of eligible businesses. The scheme will help transform tourism across the territory which is part of Failte Ireland’s Ancient East.

“This is a great opportunity for local business and community groups to build upon existing products by promoting diversification or new concepts with the necessary capital to enhance our tourist amenities contributing to the longevity of a sustainable tourism industry in Tipperary,” said Brian Beck Director of Services with Tipperary County Council. 

The deadline for expressions of interest is June 30 and once deemed eligible, groups in Tipperary will have the opportunity to make an application to the fund, up to December 30 this year.

The programme supports communities across Europe that have been the most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality by addressing employment, economic, social, and environmental issues to ensure the transition is fair and just, and nobody is left behind.