Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to request bringing the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment before the Seanad. In recent weeks we have heard how the successful application of carbon tax is being used, under the just transition fund, to pump money into areas of the midlands that have suffered and will suffer significant economic losses as a result of the ending of the burning of peat in that region and its impact on jobs. For a long time now, I have believed that a similar extension is required to include the Moneypoint region of west Clare. With more and more wind energy being brought onto the electricity grid, the demand for electricity from the Moneypoint facility is reducing and there are already plans in place for it to close by 2025. Well in advance of that closing date, employment is being lost. The ESB is restructuring there and many of the contractors that found gainful employment in that facility are no longer required. There has been a very significant negative economic impact on the west Clare region and I believe it meets all the criteria necessary to be included in that just transition funding model.

I appeal to the Leader to bring the Minister before the House in order that we can put our case yet again. I believe in the principle of carbon taxation and moving away from the burning of peat and coal, but I do not accept that, as we remove and change our structure, we must leave communities bereft of employment and investment. If we are to keep communities, individuals and citizens of this State on board during the difficulties associated with climate change, we must show that the State is prepared to intervene to protect and assist them with changing their livelihoods.