More than €5.7million for East Galway projects

FOUR local authority led projects in East Galway will receive over €5.7 million in funding under the EU Just Transition Fund Programme.

The Ballinasloe Active Travel Scheme Project will be provided with the highest share of €4.7 million to provide new a cycle path, footpath, accessible bus stops and other improvement works along a 1.35km stretch of the R446 in Ballinasloe.

Further projects set for funding include the footpath connecting Poolboy to Cuil na Canalacht in Ballinasloe, Aughrim Climate Action Park and Shannon Bank Eco Park Development, each receiving €248,508; €502,315 and €318,112 respectively.

Granted under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Programme, the targeted support measures aim to boost the social and environmental resilience of communities in the East Galway region.

The four Galway County Council projects are among 33 projects across the Midlands region that will benefit from over €36million in funding to support the delivery of strategic actions within Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs).

“While €30million was allocated for this scheme initially, the quality of projects submitted was to such a high standard that I am delighted to allocate a further €6million in Government funding,” said Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien.

Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) and Managing Authority for the EU Just Transition Fund, emphasised that a targeted regional approach is essential to ensure that climate action responds to the distinct needs of the communities.

“The funds will deliver practical measures that strengthen climate resilience and support a fair transition to a low-carbon future,” she said.