Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I welcome the opportunity to set out the actions being taken by the Government to support the midlands region. Significant funding has been allocated to support workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. The work of Kieran Mulvey as just transition commissioner in the midlands region over the past year has seen comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders, facilitated by the midlands regional transition team, to address the challenges facing the region, Bord na Móna workers, their families and communities which arise from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting. Mr. Mulvey's reports and recommendations to the Minister and the Government have informed actions now being taken to support job creation efforts and create new opportunities for Bord na Móna workers and the wider region.

Last month, the Government approved significant funding of €108 million for Bord na Móna's large-scale peatlands restoration project. The plan will protect the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, avoid 3.2 million tonnes of emissions out to 2050, enhance biodiversity, create 350 jobs in total, deliver significant benefits and contribute to Ireland's target of being carbon-neutral by 2050. The Government funding, which will come from the climate action fund, will be bolstered by an €18 million investment from Bord na Móna, which is committed to a brown to green transition. Many of those employed on the project will be former peat harvesters, who have an intimate knowledge and long history of working on our bogs.

The Government has also announced provisional funding offers, totalling €27.8 million, to 47 projects throughout the midlands region under the just transition fund. The projects represent innovative and inspiring plans from businesses, local authorities and communities in the midlands that are committed to creating a green and sustainable economy for the region. This dedication from the community and targeted support will make the region an attractive and sustainable place to live and work. It will fund training and reskilling such that local businesses and communities can adjust to the low-carbon transition.

On the issue of the closure of the ESB peat-fired power stations, it is important to state that the management of the ESB-owned facilities is the responsible actor in terms of this issue. The decision of the ESB in November 2019 to close west Offaly and Lough Ree power stations followed the July 2019 decision by An Bord Pleanåla not to grant permission for the operation of the west Offaly plant at Shannonbridge with biomass and a subsequent extensive review by the company of options for continued operation of the existing plant based on the key planning, climate and commercial factors associated with generation at the sites. Notwithstanding this, ESB is committed to the future use of both sites and is currently undertaking further feasibility work to assess the best use of the sites in the long term, taking account of their location, infrastructure and future requirements of the electricity market. We should recall that this work reflects a specific commitment in the programme for Government to assess the potential for a renewable energy hub in the midlands using the existing infrastructure. This remains a key objective of the Government.