Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the decision made by the ESB last Friday on the proposed closure of the peat burning plants in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough. Clearly the ESB is reneging on its commitment to maintain power generation in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough until 2027. As we all know, this is a major blow for staff, their families and the entire region. I met the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, during their visit to the region yesterday. All three Ministers met management of Bord na Móna, the ESB, trade union representatives and community representatives. It is very important that Ministers and the Government take heed of the concerns raised during the visit yesterday. All of the Ministers said they found it helpful but we need to make sure that all of the measures to be put in place will support the affected workers. It is absolutely essential that we have a whole-of-Government response to this latest announcement and that all possible supports are put in place for the workers and the entire region.

I am aware the Minister, Deputy Bruton, has appointed Kieran Mulvey as the just transition commissioner whose role will be to co-ordinate all elements of the just transition throughout the region. However, to meet the objective of a just transition, supports for the affected workers and the region must be ensured. Funding was provided in budget 2020 to support retraining and reskilling workers, bog rehabilitation works and a new scheme in the midlands to support housing upgrades. It is critical that an adequate fund is in place for this because the announcement last Friday has accelerated the pace at which both plants are to close. It is critical that an adequate fund is put in place to support the affected workers and the region. In light of the fact this is a significant blow to the midlands, I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate in the Seanad to discuss further how the Government will take on board the concerns raised with all three Ministers during yesterday's visit.