Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

12/03/2026

Today we’re delighted to be at Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone for the launch of the Skills Platform, an AI-enabled platform designed to help businesses and learners navigate current and emerging workforce needs.

The platform supports organisations and individuals to identify skills gaps and make strategic decisions for relevant career progression and .

Proudly funded by the programme.



Learn more: https://www.reshape.ie/

10/03/2026

📢 EOI Deadline Extension Scheme

The Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline for the START Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund has been extended to 18 March 2026.

The scheme supports projects that contribute to climate action and sustainable development in the territory

If your organisation is considering applying, there is still time to submit your EOI.

Apply here 👉 http://pobal.ie/programmes/eujtf-start

26/02/2026

25/02/2026

Really engaging information session yesterday with Pobal in Athlone to guide Local Authorities in the Territory with the EOI process as part of (Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory).

Lots of interesting ideas in the room!

25/02/2026

Big news for the Midlands bioeconomy 🌱

Ministers Martin Heydon and Darragh O'Brien have announced €10 million in support for two demonstration projects:

BIOCHAR (led by University of Limerick)

TRANSFORM (led by University College Dublin)

These projects will anchor activity in the , supporting low-carbon innovation, solutions, regional skills development, and new supply chains as the region transitions away from peat.

A strong step forward for sustainable growth, regional resilience, and climate action.

Read more about these projects in the press release: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/press-releases/ministers-heydon-and-obrien-announce-10-million-eu-just-transition-funding-for-two-bioeconomy-demonstration-projects/

17/02/2026

Watch how community-led climate action is making a real difference in Roscommon.

The EV-WT Training Programme showcase highlighted how targeted investment can deliver real impact on the ground.
Supported by Roscommon County Council and GRETB Training Centre, Galway and Roscommon ETB through the , the programme is equipping local participants with practical skills in:

• Small-scale wind turbine construction
• EV maintenance

These are not just courses. They are pathways to new opportunities, stronger local economies, and a more resilient, low-carbon future.

🎥 Watch the video to hear directly from those involved and see the impact for yourself.

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_bEhNjI3u4

16/02/2026

🌍 Major Climate Action Boost for the Midlands 🌱

Minister Darragh O'Brien TD has announced the launch of the €30 million Scheme, funded through the , supporting local authorities across the Midlands as they deliver climate‑focused projects including:

· Investments in energy efficiency

· Land regeneration and rehabilitation

· Smart and sustainable local mobility solutions

· Circular economy or bioeconomy

· Infrastructure with a social objective

The scheme is administered by Pobal, with the first Expressions of Interest opening on 16 February 2026.

📅 EOI deadline: 13 March 2026

Call for formal applications will open on 21st April 2026

This is a significant step toward empowering communities, strengthening regional resilience, and supporting a just transition to a climate‑neutral future.

More information: www.pobal.ie/programmes/eujtf-start

12/02/2026

📣 AIR Training Seminar 2026 – Kicking Off in Two Weeks!

The two‑day 2026 Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Training Seminar takes place in Buncrana, Co. Donegal on 25 & 26 February.

🔹 Day 1 – 25 February, featuring expert-led sessions on:
• Delivery of the National Development Plan (NDP)
• Regional Governance in Ireland and Europe
• The Future of EU Cohesion Policy

🔹 Day 2 – 26 February, highlights include:
• A session on the Review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)
• A field trip to Fort Dunree

Register here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1979983381594?aff=oddtdtcreator

22/01/2026

The Department, in association with CAP Network Ireland are pleased to launch our Women in Agriculture photo competition as part of our International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 schedule. It aims to recognise the vital role of women in agri-food systems and address the lack of images of female farmers, fishers, foresters, and food producers for use in agri-communications and campaigns.

The competition will highlight women in farming and rural areas while aligning with the National Action Plan for Women in Agriculture, which seeks to address the lack women-focused imagery in agri-food communications. Publicly available imagery of women is essential for appropriate recognition and representation of women farmers.

📌 For more information and to download the application form visit
👉 https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/women-in-agriculture/ -year-of-the-woman-farmer-2026

06/01/2026

Delighted to see one of the project , was featured on Euronews English

“Ireland’s Magic Word: How ‘Paludiculture’ is Transforming Peatlands and Farmers’ Futures.”

🔗 https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/01/05/irelands-magic-word-how-paludiculture-is-transforming-peatlands-and-farmers-futures

🔗 https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/01/05/making-peatlands-a-green-economy-in-irelands-midlands

The articles highlight how Paludiculture can restore peatlands while supporting sustainable livelihoods for farmers, a core aim of our work.

Proudly funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland. 🌱🇪🇺 🇮🇪



Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, European Commission, European Commission Representation in Ireland,
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Emissions from dried peat are a major issue in the Irish Midlands. The Peatlands for Prosperity project is pioneering paludiculture, transforming carbon-producing land into a sustainable source of economic opportunity.

19/12/2025

🌱 €5.5 million announced for 17 Regenerative Tourism Projects across the Midlands

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the , this fifth funding announcement brings total investment under the Programme through Fáilte Ireland to almost €60 million.

· 13 private and community SME projects will receive almost €4.5 million, supporting regenerative tourism experiences across three development categories.

· 4 Local Authority and State Agency projects have been awarded over €1 million, strengthening tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences that can be leveraged by communities and businesses alike.

To date, these Schemes have supported:

✔️ 85 private and community SME projects

✔️ Local Authority and Strategic Partner initiatives

✔️ A €9.4m investment with BnM to develop universally accessible trails

✔️ Tourism learning, digital transformation, and county-based Tourism Activators

This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable growth, place-based development, and resilient tourism communities across the Midlands.

Further announcements are expected in the coming months.

Read more: https://www.failteireland.ie/Utility/News-Library/%E2%82%AC5-5million-announced-for-17-Regenerative-Tourism.aspx



Peter Burke TD, European Commission Representation in Ireland, European Commission, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, provides a range of practical support and advice to Irish tourism businesses.