Mr. Padraig Boland:

Deputy Ryan has mentioned the word "communities". I am of this community as well as working with the community. A just transition that focuses solely on the employees is missing missing a lot in terms of the sustainability of rural communities and being honest with these communities as they face the future. One of the difficulties for rural communities, including the employees, is that this has been a long, drawn-out process. It is currently in the name of climate change, but this started in 1999 with the loss of a cooling tower in the ESB in Ferbane, and the redirection of Bord na Móna and the ESB at that stage. I would welcome an honest approach being taken with the communities. They need and deserve honesty. What is happening at the moment is probably neither just nor a transition. If we are going to get there, I would welcome that. If that is the future the communities of the midlands face, they deserve to know it and we need to be prepared to plan that future with them.