Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

The just transition fund has delivered more than €169 million into the midlands and is in place until 2027. However, a significant number of local projects struggled to gain the matched funding to deliver those projects on time. I am looking for the Government to seek an extension on that just transition drawdown so these projects can be completed. I want the Government to look at introducing a just transition economic zone, similar to the Shannon free zone. We have seen the benefit that had for that whole mid-west region down in the south. We should consider creating a just transition zone in the midlands to encompass counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly, centred on TUS in Athlone. It would drive further economic activity into the midland region into the future.

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