The Just Transition Commissioner has paid tribute to all the communities and organisations in the Midlands for their vision and commitment to developing the region.
Roscommon native, Kieran Mulvey and the Just Transition Team has today allocated 30 million euro to 47 projects from areas that will be affected by the closure of ESB and Bord na Mona peat harvesting operations.
€108 million has also being approved by cabinet for Bord Na Mona's large-scale peatlands restoration project, which will employ 350 people.
Some of these include allocations of up to one million euro each for projects including a new Digital Learning Hub for Longford Westmeath ETB, a new Greenway loop in Ballyforan and phase 2 of the development of Lough Ree Distillery.
Kieran Mulvey says the groups involved went through a very vigorous assessment process and their plans were very well researched.
One million euro has also been awarded to the Premier Lakelands Food hub, local chef Stephan Dowd who is one of the authors of the project says it's been a full four years in the planning.
News of the funding for Bord Na Mona and the local projects in the Shannonside region has been welcomed this afternoon across the political spectrum.
Longford Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy says he's very happy the government has kept the promises made previously.
He says the quality of the projects which are to be funded should ensure economic success and jobs in the areas involved.
Roscommon Fianna Fail Senator Eugene Murphy says the commitments announced today are hugely significant for the region, but a lot of hard work will still be necessary to make sure they work.
