Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Flaherty for the opportunity to respond. As I said, the routing of gas pipelines or the connection of towns to the gas pipeline network are matters for Gas Networks Ireland and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.

The Government is committed to a just transition in the midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities. A significant package of supports has been put in place in the midlands for the transition away from peat-fuelled power. This includes €20 million for the midlands retrofitting project, €108 million for the Bord na Móna peatlands restoration project, €25 million for the just transition fund, and €90 million for the National Parks and Wildlife Service peatland scheme. The Government announced provision of funding offers to over 60 projects throughout the region, including private sector and local authority projects for communities to create a strong, green, sustainable economy. These projects will contribute to making the midlands a more attractive and sustainable place to live and work. The Government has signed contracts with 17 projects so far. Some 16 projects are already up and running in the midlands, supported through the fund. They have created 28 full-time jobs and will result in 175 indirect jobs. The five projects in strand two which have received final offers to date are worth €2.5 million. The Department is assisting remaining projects through due diligence and expects these to be finalised in the coming weeks.

The Department will publish a full profile of anticipated expenditure and project impact to the midlands region by the middle of this year. I note the range of supports being developed under the climate action plan, as I set out, for the SEAI to help businesses to decarbonise.

I will raise the important points which the Deputy has outlined with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Government takes seriously the whole principle of a just transition and supporting workers, communities and everyone in the midlands region as we go about this change. I appreciate the Deputy prioritising this matter and raising it tonight. I will bring the details to the attention of the Minister.

See this speech in context