Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and I, along with the local authority, met with a group from the midlands regarding the Bord na Móna job losses at the time. The regional transition team was established by Offaly County Council in response to the announcement to consolidate and simplify traditional peat-harvesting operations. It aims to pursue funding opportunities and actions to mitigate the impact of the Bord na Móna job losses on the individuals concerned, as well as the impact on the local and regional economy. It also aims at positioning the region to develop alternative forms of employment, attract investment, as well as maximising existing employment opportunity and resources. It comprises Offaly County Council and all stakeholders, including the Athlone Institute of Technology, education and training boards, chambers of commerce and the eastern and midlands regional climate action office. I understand they would have all been part of that application.

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