Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
222. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the territorial just transition plan and operational programme; when he envisages this will be submitted to the European Commission for approval as set out in the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4313/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Just Transition Fund is a newly established fund for the 2021-2027 period, operating within the framework of EU cohesion policy. The Just Transition Fund seeks to address the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition. Ireland must prepare a Territorial Just Transition Plan and accompanying programme, for approval by the European Commission, in order to secure access to its allocation of €84.5 million under the EU Just Transition Fund. This plan and programme will set out Ireland’s proposed investment priorities as well as targeted sectors and regions. I have appointed the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as managing authority for the fund, and my Department and the EMRA are jointly developing the Territorial Just Transition Plan and Programme.
I launched a public consultation on a draft of the Territorial Just Transition Plan on 20 December and this will remain open until 14 February. The draft plan provisionally identifies East Galway, North Tipperary, Longford, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, West Kildare and Roscommon as the functional territory to be targeted for investment under the plan.
Feedback on the draft plan is being gathered through an online survey as well as through online workshops open to interested stakeholders. A dedicated workshop is also planned to gather the views of young people aged 16-24 who are living, working, or studying in the wider Midlands region. The online survey seeks views on the impact of the climate transition, the development needs of the wider Midlands region, and comments on the draft Territorial Just Transition Plan. My Department and the EMRA have also held dedicated briefing sessions, respectively, for members of the Oireachtas and for members and staff of relevant Local Authorities from the identified counties.
The responses to the public consultation will be used to further develop and finalise the draft Territorial Just Transition Plan before it is agreed by the Government and submitted, together with the EU Just Transition Fund programme, to the European Commission for approval during the course of 2022.
