Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on budget 2020. For some time, Deputies have been aware of the Government's plan for a budget premised on a hard Brexit. There has been much criticism of this approach but I believe it reinforces that Fine Gael takes a prudent approach to the public finances. The twin themes of the budget, namely, Brexit and climate action, were well flagged in recent weeks.

The budget delivered for Offaly and the midlands. Although there has been some negativity regarding the increase in the carbon tax, I am delighted that the funds it raises will be ring-fenced to protect the most vulnerable and invested in agri-environmental schemes and our low-carbon future. I am pleased that my Government colleagues recognised the uniquely challenging impact of the country's decarbonisation transition on Offaly in the context of Bord na Móna's transition away from the harvesting of peat in order to generate power for the ESB. I have had intense discussions with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, over the 12 months since Bord na Móna announced its decarbonisation strategy from brown to green. I thank and acknowledge the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in particular for his accessibility and responsiveness at all times, especially in recent months following the decision of An Bord Pleanála on Shannonbridge and the uncertainty created as a result. I emphasised the immediate need for the Government to respond with concrete measures and am delighted with the announcement that a just transition commissioner will be appointed shortly. Engagement with all stakeholders, workers, companies, communities and local authorities, particularly Offaly County Council, will be vital to ensure correct usage of the €6 million just transition fund targeted at the midlands to support retraining and reskilling of workers and to assist local communities and businesses adjust to the low-carbon transition. Consultation with the structures in place in the midlands, including the midlands transition team, must take place on the best approach to target the funding.

The €5 million for bog restoration and rehabilitation which will restore bogs to their natural habitat is particularly welcome. Bord na Móna workers I recently visited were adamant they could carry out this work. Although I understand that the programme will support the National Parks and Wildlife Service, I sincerely hope a role will be found for these workers, especially those who are not at retirement age but are not young enough to wish to retrain or go into further education. The recently announced forestry planting collaboration by Bord na Móna and Coillte will provides further opportunity for Bord na Móna workers and I hope that is explored.

The allocation of €20 million to deliver group housing retrofitting as set out in the climate action plan is a welcome development. I understand it is to be targeted at the midlands. I suggest, as I previously suggested to the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in the House, that Offaly be prioritised as it is the county that will be impacted on most by decarbonisation. These measures will make a significant difference in my constituency by generating economic activity and creating environmentally sustainable jobs to replace those lost in the short term at Bord na Móna. I welcome the fact that people in fuel poverty will be taken into consideration and that funding from the carbon tax will be used to increase the fuel allowance by €2 per week. I also welcome the additional €13 million which will be ring fenced from that money to support the warmer homes scheme and will be targeted at energy-efficient upgrades for those at risk of fuel poverty.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is not and never has been sufficiently funded. Even though its funding was increased in the budget, it is still not sufficient. We use the arts to sell the country around the globe. The work being done by the Heritage Council is brilliant and should have received more funding. That said, I welcome the much-needed increase of €1 million for special areas of conservation or special protection areas. Farmers are operating under significant constraints in my area. It is a start.

The provision of an additional 1 million home help hours is a start and will be a tremendous asset to carers and others in that role. I acknowledge the additional funding for tourism and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I recognise the fantastic work being done by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The allocation of €15 million to the Department will enable further investment in town and village renewal. It is great news for rural Ireland. I refer to the E-hive in Edenderry, County Offaly. Is a new, modern co-working hub owned by Offaly County Council. The project is at the centre of the town and is an illustration of how correctly-directed funding can be of significant benefit to rural Ireland.

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