The necessary transition from carbon-intensive sources of energy, towards more sustainable, renewable energy sources, will have a significant impact on the workers in carbon-intensive sectors, their families, and the Midlands as a whole. Government has committed to delivering a whole of Government approach, and to working with local stakeholders, to ensure that a just transition is provided to those impacted.
The most immediate challenge arises in the Midlands. I have met with key stakeholders there, including the Midlands Regional Transition Team, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, and the Midlands Regional Skills Forum, who have adopted a central objective of transition to a low carbon economy for the region.
Budget 2020 includes a number of measures that form part of the Government's approach to supporting a Just transition. They include:
- €6 million for a Just Transition Fund;
- €5 million for bog restoration and rehabilitation; and
- €20 million to deliver a new model to group housing upgrades.
These measures will be immediately targeted at the Midlands and will support retraining and reskilling workers and assist local communities and businesses to adjust to the low carbon transition. There will be further engagement with local stakeholders, including the Midlands Transition Team, on the application of the funding. Further details of this comprehensive whole of Government response to support the transition will be announced shortly.
As the Deputy will be aware, following the closure of the former Bord na Mona peat briquette factory in Littleton, a partnership between Bord na Móna and a Chinese recycling company, Sabrina, was announced in July this year. This has seen the creation of 40 long term, sustainable, jobs at a new recycling facility on the site, with a further 40 or more jobs envisaged in the next three years. This recycling facility has the capacity to repurpose 24,000 tonnes of plastic which will be diverted from landfill; this is a real example of how Bord na Móna is adapting its business model to reflect its move out of carbon intensive businesses.
I am open to receiving a submission from regional stakeholders on the challenges which might need support in the context of a Just transition.
