Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
26. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of the National Just Transition Fund that has been allocated to applicants since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10866/24]
View answerThe National Just Transition Fund was established in 2020 as a key pillar of the Government’s plan for the Midlands region, following the cessation of commercial peat extraction by Bord na Móna. The Fund continues to support local and community-led projects, which are creating sustainable businesses, employment opportunities and reskilling workers to engage with the green economy, and implementing innovative plans to support the transition to a low carbon economy across a range of activities.
Up to €22 .1 million has been allocated under the Fund in individual grant agreements with projects. To date, €8.5 million, or 38.5% of the available funding, has been drawn down by projects.
While grantees are directly responsible for the implementation of their projects and for drawing down their allocated funding, my officials continue to engage with grantees to support project delivery. Projections provided by grantees to my Department indicate that drawdowns are expected to increase as projects reach completion during 2024.
