Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
154. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will reappoint the just transition commissioner on an interim basis pending the establishment of the office on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60317/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Just Transition Commissioner was appointed by the Government in November 2019 with the mandate to engage with those affected by the accelerated exit from peat for electricity generation in the Midlands region, and to recommend to Government the essential elements of a just transition for those workers and communities. The Commissioner has made an important contribution to the Government's overall just transition response in the Midlands region, helping to facilitate dialogue, and bringing forward concerns from affected communities, residents, workers, and businesses. To date, the Commissioner has produced three reports, with a final report expected before the end of the year.
The Government has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. €108 million has been committed to Bord na Móna’s Peatlands Rehabilitation programme which will create 350 jobs in total and contribute to Ireland’s target of being climate-neutral no later than 2050. Further funding of €14 million has been provided in 2021 to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to fund peatlands restoration on protected raised bogs in the Midlands region. Through the national Just Transition Fund, over €15.5 million is being provided in grant funding to 47 projects in the wider Midlands region. Further significant funding will also be available through the EU Just Transition Fund over the coming decade to support the most affected territories and workers concerned, and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition.
My Department has responded to the recommendations in the Commissioner's reports through an Implementation Plan for the Midlands, detailed in the recently published 2021 Climate Action Plan. The work of the Commissioner continues to be supported by Government to ensure the successful implementation of just transition measures. Given the significant progress that has already been achieved, I do not propose to continue the Commissioner's term beyond the end of his current mandate which concludes at the end of this year.
I also note the commitment of the Midlands local authorities to continue to support the work of the Midlands Regional Transition Team (MRTT), which worked closely with the Just Transition Commissioner to develop and coordinate regional and local strategic partnerships in order to advance the delivery of actions for a Just Transition within the region. My Department will continue to engage with and support the work of the MRTT into the future as the Midlands Implementation Plan is delivered.
Given the broad nature of the challenges associated with the transition to a climate neutral economy and society, the Climate Action Plan 2021 commits the Government to the establishment of a Just Transition Commission to provide strategic advice to Government, building on research, engagement through the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the annual review from the Climate Change Advisory Committee, on how Government policy can further a just transition. I anticipate that this will be a standing body, with a different mandate to that of the Just Transition Commissioner for the Midlands.
