Dr Schuitema says that locals must see that their visions for their communities are understood by decision makers.

This evening marks the final consultation event in the midlands which have been taking place over the last number of weeks.

The local shopkeeper says the youth of the town are leaving in their droves.

Local Councillors are set to grill the Minister when he addresses Longford County Council later.

Head of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Paddy Matthews says that just under half of the money has been allocated to developing cycling and walking trails across the region.

Joe O' Brien, who runs a shop in the centre of Lanesboro says the area has been decimated in the last two years.

The funding was announced on Tuesday.

169 million euro will be directed towards the Irish midlands to help the region move away from fossil fuel industry.