Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, is well aware that the midlands is the battle line for decarbonisation following the fast-tracking of the closure of the Bord na Móna peat-production process. The just transition fund was introduced to compensate the midlands and help to ensure it will not be left behind, with its local economy being forced to adjust, as the rest of the country reaps the carbon-reduction benefits.

Thanks to Center Parcs, the gas pipeline was extended to Ballymahon. As we seek to offset the impact of fast-tracked decarbonisation in the midlands while at the same time safeguarding future energy supplies for local industry, it is vital that we seek to extend the pipeline to Longford town and Edgeworthstown. This would facilitate connections to major energy users. There are as many as ten major industries across the two towns, employing nearly 3,000. The pipeline would allow them to reduce their energy emissions, utilise energy efficiently and apply renewable technologies while exploring expansion potential. At least two of the industries are finalising major expansion plans. A positive indication regarding the availability of gas would certainly be welcome at this point. This would take place in tandem with Longford County Council's plans to develop an anaerobic digester in the Lanesborough-Mountdillon area as part of the just transition process following the closure of the local power station. At the heart of the anaerobic digester plan is the determination to deliver renewable energy back to the grid, driven and supported by the local communities most affected by the process of climate action.

This holistic package will help to develop employment opportunities and economic development, enhancing biodiversity and environmental quality while promoting community-based innovations to decarbonise the difficult areas of agriculture and transport. Longford County Council has made a compelling case for the gas line extension to Longford town and Edgeworthstown under the climate change action plan.

I am aware that the application is currently being reviewed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The hope is that the proposal will find favour in the next round of capital funding. As it stands, however, the funding gap that exists makes the project unviable without the benefit of capital funding. Members will be aware that we discussed the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 at length in this House over the past two weeks and indeed we have been discussing it for much longer than that. The truth is that this is an innovative, timely proposal from a capable and far-sighted local authority. It has the potential to replace carbon-intensive peat-fired energy production with a carbon neutral energy source and, through the extended gas line, also decarbonise other difficult areas. However, it can only be delivered with investment at scale. It is crucial that the next round of capital funding acknowledge the well articulated case to extend the gas line to Longford and Edgeworthstown.

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