The Fiontar Chomhraic Teo Fund, the €3 million investment fund established by the ESB following the closure of Bellacorick Power Station in 2005, is open for business with the first call for proposals for projects for the north Mayo area.
The fund has been established to help in the creation of new employment opportunities for the areas of north Mayo most affected by the closure of the ESB power station at Bellacorick and the subsequent closure of the Bord na Mona operation at Oweninny. The fund can be accessed by individuals, community based organisations, private companies, or partnerships operating or proposing to operate in Erris and north Mayo.
The fund will focus on supporting training for enterprise, education, and upskilling; creation of commercial, industrial, incubation, and technological work space and associated infrastructure; community facilities, and development grants to new business or community enterprise.
It is intended that the fund will operate to attract additional investment from other sources including Leader companies, Mayo Integrated Local Development Company, Enterprise Ireland, Mayo County Enterprise Board, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Shell Community Fund.
The fund will be managed by an independent company, Fiontar Chomhraic Teo, established in 2009 for this purpose. The company includes representatives of the Mayo County Council, the ESB, Bord na Mona, Údarás na Gaeltachta, County Development Board, and the local community. The day to day running will be organised by the community and enterprise section of Mayo County Council.
Welcoming the start of the investment programme, county manager Des Mahon said the fund represents an opportunity and a challenge for north Mayo. “I hope that it will help to generate much needed sustainable employment in the area.”
The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Cribben, praised the ESB for its vision and corporate responsibility in making a very timely and important investment in the future of north Mayo.
Anyone requiring further information should contact the community and enterprise section of Mayo County Council, Arás an Contae, Castlebar. Application forms and information are also available on Mayo County Council’s website www.mayococo.ie
