FAQ Page

The EU Just Transition Fund is a fund created under the 2021-2027 programming round. It operates under Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 within the framework of the EU Cohesion policy. The Fund’s objective is to support the regions and communities in Europe that are most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

All grant-aided costs must be fully paid by the end of September 2026 by the grantee and drawn down from Fáilte Ireland by the end of October 2026. Any grant claims that are outstanding after the end of October 2026 will be terminated.

Match funding is required for all Investment Grants above €10,000, with the exception of Investment Grants awarded under Category 4 (Digital Transformation). The applicant will be required to contribute a minimum of 20% of total project costs as match funding. Match funding may consist of the applicant’s own funds, investor funds, borrowings or other sources of public funding subject to state aid rules.   

Micro investment grants can be offered up to a value of €10,000 at a grant-aid rate of 100% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and as State Aid rules allow) Investment grants of between €275,001 and €2,000,000 may be offered at a maximum grant-aid rate of 80% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and subject to State Aid rules).Investment grants of between €10,001 and €275,000 may be offered at a maximum grant-aid rate of 80% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and as State Aid rules allow).

Awards of investment grants greater than €2,000,000 may be considered, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland, for projects that will deliver a significant high economic impact. Grant-aid rates will be determined by State aid rules. Grants awarded under Category 4 (Digital Transformation) will be offered at a rate of up to 100% of eligible project costs where EU State Aid rules allow. 

This scheme is operating under both the De Minimis Regulation and the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). Grants will be awarded under de Minimis or the GBER Exemptions as appropriate.

Under the De Minimis Regulation (1407/2013) the current ceiling for all De Minimis aid, regardless of the source, awarded to any single undertaking by any State agency or public body over a three-year fiscal period is €200,000. This ceiling is subject to review and all applicants will be advised if this ceiling changes during the course of this Investment Grant Scheme.

Micro investment grants can be offered up to a value of €10,000 at a grant-aid rate of 100% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and as State Aid rules allow). Investment grants of between €10,001 and €275,000 may be offered at a maximum grant-aid rate of 80% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and as State Aid rules allow). Investment grants of between €275,001 and €2,000,000 may be offered at a maximum grant-aid rate of 80% of total project costs (or lower, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland and subject to State Aid rules). Investment grants greater than €2,000,000 may be considered, at the discretion of Fáilte Ireland, for projects that will deliver a particularly high economic impact. Grant-aid rates will be determined by State aid rules.  Grants awarded under Category 4A (Digital Transformation – Productivity Enhancement) will be offered at a rate of 100% of eligible project costs where EU State Aid rules allow.

The EOI process for the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs will be open from August 30th. All grant-aided costs must be fully paid by the grantee by the end of September 2026 and claims submitted to Fáilte Ireland by the end of October 2026. 

Yes, if you meet the recommended criteria to pass the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage a link to an application form will be provided to you. In the guidelines the full eligibility criteria and required documents our listed.

Yes.

Please refer to the guidelines in the section 'What are eligible costs'? 

Yes, if the projects are at different sites or fall under the different categories within the scheme they will require a separate application. 

Yes, claims will only be paid with verified paid invoices on eligible costs. 

Yes.

Full capability supports will be launched in October 2023 under our EU JTF Tourism Learning Network. This element of the scheme will provide for capability building to develop your understanding and expertise in measuring your carbon footprint, developing an action plan to reduce energy, water and food waste as well as focusing investment in more sustainable energy and water technologies, through the Grant support to advance your sustainability efforts.

Under our EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Learning Network, these supports will be available. This element of the funding scheme is not being launched now but will be in October 2023.

Yes, you can access funding for Accessibility enhancements under category 5 of this funding scheme. An accessibility audit will be undertaken which will identify the improvements that need to be made. Under the criteria in category 5 you can see the types of projects that will be covered. In addition, supports will be offered under the Tourism Learning Network.

Yes- all tourism related businesses in the EU Just Transition Fund Territory will be eligible to apply to participate in the Tourism Learning Network which will include capability building courses, peer learning, insights and good practice case studies in all aspects of Accessibility and Sustainability for tourism. This element of the funding scheme is not being launched now but will be in October 2023. Applicants can access funding for Accessibility enhancements under category 5 of this funding scheme. An accessibility audit will be undertaken which will identify the improvements that need to be made. Under the criteria in category 5 you can see the types of projects that will be covered.  

The Eastern Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) is the Managing Authority for the management and implementation of the EUJTF Programme in Ireland.  The role of the EMRA includes the management of forecasts of claims, management of evaluations, verification of payment for account submission and compliance with EU policies and communications. Under Just Transition, Fáilte Ireland has been appointed an intermediate body which acts under the responsibility of the EMRA, tasked with the administration of €68 million for a Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. Through this scheme Fáilte Ireland will oversee and administer investment in the sustainable development of tourism in the Midlands with the aim of diversifying the regional economy by creating jobs and sustaining communities. The responsibilities of Fáilte Ireland as an intermediate body include selection of projects within the scope of the JTF, issue of grant offer in accordance with EU rules and these scheme guidelines, submission of claims for EU JTF co-funding to EMRA, and verification that co-financed products and services have been delivered. 

A municipal district is an area of a council area that comprises one or more electoral area.

That the applicant owns the land or has a lease of acceptable duration.