Midlands tourism firms invited to apply for Just Transition support programme

Tourism businesses in the Midlands region are being invited to apply to take part in a new Tourism Learning Network Programme which is being offered though the EU Just Transition Fund.

The initiative is open to tourism businesses in Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Roscommon, Laois, East Galway, and parts of Tipperary and Kildare.

It's also open to former ESB or Bord na Móna workers in the region who are seeking to transition into a career in tourism.

It was launched by Fáilte Ireland, which said today (Thursday) that the programme was designed to help build tourism businesses' capabilities to grow and future-proof their sustainable development.

Fáilte Ireland said the support being offered through the programme was valued at up to €10,000 per business or applicant.

It stated that the initiative "provides a unique opportunity for participants to benefit from a fully-funded programme of tailored professional development supports that enhances their tourism skillsets and supports the transition from employment in the peat or electricity production to a career in the tourism industry".

Paul Hayden, Head of Programme Just Transition at Fáilte Ireland said: "Valued at the equivalent of up to €10,000 per business or applicant, this best-in-class programme offers tailored professional development to suit commercial, not for profit, community and charity tourism enterprises in the territory.

"Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland which is an important economic driver and source of employment.

"This learning programme will help businesses to develop essential skills and practices across planning, digital, sustainability and accessibility while improving the visitor experience across the region.

"Whether you are starting a new tourism enterprise or expanding a current tourism business, we invite you to express your interest today."

The programme is open to existing and new tourism enterprises and to staff and management of public sector bodies in the Just Transition area, such as Bord na Móna, Coillte, local authorities, Office of Public Works (OPW) and Waterways Ireland.

Expressions of Interest for the Tourism Learning Network Programme will be accepted until Thursday, February 22.

Applications will be assessed by Fáilte Ireland, which will provide guidance on the programme and offer direct support. Applicants can find more information and complete an expression of interest at www.failteireland.ie