Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When we think about the history and economy of the midlands, certainly for most of the past hundred years it has been dominated by two semi-State bodies, namely, ESB and Bord na Móna. They have provided well-paid and secure jobs that, in turn, create other jobs because of spending in the local economy by people who work in the ESB and Bord na Móna. That is going to change as we make the transition from brown to green and from a carbon-based economy to a zero-carbon economy. That does not mean it cannot be changed for the better, including in the midlands. That is why the Government is committed to a just transition and why we have dedicated significant funding to the workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. This will ensure significant job retention in Bord na Móna, as well as job creation efforts and new business opportunities for the wider region.

As Deputy Naughten acknowledged, just last week the Government set aside €108 million for Bord na Móna's large-scale peatlands restoration project, which will secure 350 jobs in Bord na Móna and contribute to our target of being carbon neutral by 2050.

I will have to check on the specific question that the Deputy asked about seasonal employees. I expect that they will still be needed because more work is done in the good weather and it is necessary to cover leave arrangements. I will check on that for the Deputy.

The first progress report of the just transition commissioner was published on 22 May. That reflects a comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the midlands, setting out for the workers, their families and communities the analysis of the challenges facing the region arising from the accelerated exit from peat harvesting. The report contains important recommendations which will guide job creation efforts and create new opportunities for Bord na Móna workers in the midlands. Following the programme for Government commitment, a feasibility study into establishing a green energy hub using the existing infrastructure at the West Offaly and Lough Ree sites has now commenced. This study is being overseen by a steering group chaired by the ESB and includes representatives of the Department of the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, the relevant local authorities and other stakeholders. We expect that the work of this group will conclude by the end of this year having regard to the timelines required to meet the company's planning permission obligations on both sites.

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