Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the recent application for strand 2 of the just transition fund. I believe that evaluations are under way and it is expected that applicants will be contacted this month in respect of their applications. More than €11 million in funding has been put in place to help fund these projects, create employment and re-employ workers who have lost their jobs, especially in Longford and Offaly. I refer in particular to the Lough Ree power plant in Lanesborough, County Longford, the closure of which has had a significant effect on the people of Lanesborough and the surrounding areas of Killashee, Keenagh, Newtowncashel and workers in nearby Ballyleague in County Roscommon.

I asked the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to follow up on his commitment to me in the Chamber during the summer that he would prioritise funding for these specific projects in our county. A number of such projects in which I have been involved include: Access for All, which is aimed at providing outdoor recreational pursuits for wheelchair users, with tours of Lough Ree and the River Shannon, and will provide alternative employment for dozens of Bord na Móna workers; a food hub, which is a joint venture between the local community, Longford County Council and Bord na Móna, a venture that has previously received funding from Enterprise Ireland and is anticipated to employ in the region of 40 workers; and Lough Ree Distillery visitor centre, which is on the banks of the River Shannon. When in full production, the distillery will have a capacity for 50,000 cases of whiskey, gin and other spirits. It is expected the visitor centre will attract more than 25,000 tourists to the area and create 20 jobs locally.

I am concerned about a commitment given with regard to the just transition. When the bogs were being rehabilitated by Bord na Móna, a commitment was given to re-employing the workers who had lost their jobs. I would like assurances from the Minister and Bord na Móna that they will commit to re-employing these workers and not use external contractors, which may take place. If we are to deliver a just transition for the midlands and the workers, it is imperative that the funding be delivered without delay.