Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2020
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will expedite the implementation of the recommendations included in the Just Transition Commissioner’s first report published in early 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16070/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to publishing a Just Transition Plan, to frame the work of a permanent Commission for Just Transition. The plan will identify and prepare for the challenges that will arise in a number of sectors and regions, recognising that there will be a variety of different transitions, and that it is clear that there will be no simple one-size fits all approach.
In terms of the Midlands, the first progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey was published on 22 May. The report reflects a comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the region, setting out the analysis of the challenges facing the Midlands region, and for Bord na Móna workers and their families and communities, arising from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting. The report contains important recommendations. The Government is already acting on a number of these and is committed to preparing an implementation plan to address the remainder.
A number of actions to implement the recommendations in the Commissioner's report are already underway. This includes €20 million for a new energy efficiency retrofitting scheme in the Midlands, €5 million for peatland rehabilitation outside of the Bord na Móna estate, and €6 million for a dedicated new just transition fund with ESB agreeing to contribute an additional €5 million to this fund.
The call for proposals for the Just Transition Fund is live and will close this Friday 17 July, and will make available up to €11m to support just transition measures in the region.
The Government has also committed to examining measures to support a much higher level of bog restoration on Bord na Móna bogs, which will provide for a continued role for existing Bord na Móna workers on these bogs.
