New Roscommon Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator appoined

Roscommon County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian McGarry as its new EU Just Transition Fund (JFT) Tourism Activator.

A native of Tulsk, Ms McGarry has considerable and wide ranging experience in the tourism, business multinational and community sectors.

Her appointment follows Fáilte Ireland’s roll-out of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026.

Following her appointment, Ms. McGarry is hosting a special information meeting about both her role and the EU JTF fund on Monday, March 11, from 6pm to 8pm in Gleeson’s Townhouse Restaurant, Roscommon town.

The seminar will consider potential funding opportunities for SME’s and community groups in an effort to identify potential business opportunities that are locally and tourism led.

Ms McGarry said she was excited by the opportunities presented by her new role: “The EU JTF has the potential to regenerate and transform communities, not only in Roscommon but throughout the midlands region, which our county can also benefit from.

“The fund also has the potential to create new jobs in rural and smaller towns in our county. The seminar is about listening to communities as to what they want and need and responding to that need. The event is ‘a call to arms’ and essentially an invitation to all groups that through this fund we are ‘open for business’!” remarked Ms. McGarry.

In her role, Ms. McGarry will assist eligible entities in accessing funding to deliver regenerative tourism led projects in the county. She will also be working closely with Roscommon County Council’s Tourism Officer Lisa Joy and other key stakeholders in supporting tourism ideas that are sustainable, enduring, cost effective and visitor driven.

The EU JFT programme is also designed to build business skills and know-how to advance the professional development of eligible businesses. It will also help transform tourism across county Roscommon which is part of Failte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand.

The deadline for expressions of interest is June 30 and once deemed eligible, groups throughout Roscommon will have the opportunity to make an application to the fund, up to December 30 this year.

The programme supports communities across Europe who have been the most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality by addressing employment, economic, social and environmental issues to ensure the transition is fair and just, and nobody is left behind.

“This is a great opportunity for new and existing local businesses to support new business ideas with the necessary capital to enhance our tourist amenities are sustainable, future proofed and environmentally conscious way as a driver of local economic regeneration”, said Ms. McGarry.

A Bachelor of Commerce (International) graduate from NUI Galway, Ms. McGarry holds a Master of Business from TUS Athlone. She has a professional background in the financial sector having worked with a number of multinational organisations.