Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. The first objective of the midlands enterprise plan aims to ensure the midlands are well positioned to address the challenges posed by the transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy. This clearly means it would be a cross-departmental effort. I acknowledge the transition forum which is working well. However, more is needed and it will require a whole-of-government approach.

I was disappointed by the reply to a parliamentary question last week regarding the European Commission's request to include the midlands as part of the platform on coal regions in transition. Given that the platform was launched in early 2017, a full year before Bord na Móna announced job losses, the Government's reaction seems a little lethargic. I would have liked it to have been more proactive. I have highlighted my concerns about the midlands region and the need to generate more jobs there and also the fact that the Government should give the greater attention and have more input in respect of it.

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