Athlone Viking Boat operator tells of fuel switch to hydrogenated vegetable oil
Michael McDonnell, the operator of Athlone's Viking Boat tours has spoken of how funding from the EU's Just Transition programme allowed him to switch his boat to an eco-friendly fuel source.
McDonnell, widely known in Athlone as 'Viking Mike', was one of the speakers at a Midlands Ireland conference in Abbeyleix which was designed to showcase examples of the impact the EU Just Transition Fund has had on this region.
At the event, he outlined how Just Transition funding had allowed him to transition from diesel to HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), reducing negative environmental and marine ecological impacts.
The conference, entitled “Pathways to Progress: Real Stories, Real Impact”, heard from a number of community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers from across Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath. It was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Ella McSweeney.
Enda Macken, owner of Firecracker Saunas in Longford, spoke of how the funding had fostered local pride and employment.
"I am so proud to be able to employ local people.. it's all the little experiences that add to the area to make it a great place to live,” he said.
Linda Kelly, Manager at Kilcormac Development Association, spoke about the growth in community-led social enterprises in Kilcormac.
She noted the role that the funding has played in enabling these initiatives which are creating employment and strengthening the community.
This sentiment was echoed by Aidan Hynes representing the Poets Cottage Community Café in Camross, Laois, who stated that the investment into the Poets Cottage has "created opportunities for some local employment" and allowed "people in the area to create social connections".
The conference also highlighted the success of cross-sector partnerships, such as the Midlands Flavours food network and STEM engagement initiatives.
Kelly Keogh, STEM Officer in Westmeath County Council, said: "By collaborating across the four local authorities in the Midlands, we have created a unique partnership, working alongside business and education to create a STEM eco-system, which has become the envy of many other counties.
"We are forging a pathway towards future economic development and more sustainable communities, all the while building the digital skillset of the Midlands population."
Barbara Quinn, Programme Manager with Ericsson’s INFUSE programme, noted: "Having that eco-system that we have now built has expanded our potential no end. It has made everybody work closely together—getting industry involved. It’s just amazing what we have managed to achieve.”
Helen Bracken of Fox Convert Farm in Offaly also shared how the project provided a platform for small producers.
“We were able to get our product out there at Catex and the National Ploughing Championships... we wouldn’t have had the funding to participate in those events otherwise,” she said.
MidlandsIreland.ie is a joint initiative of the Local Authorities of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The project is an action of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.
Its objective is to promote the Midlands region as a destination of choice in which to invest, live, work, study and visit.