Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The window we have for climate action, especially in the midlands, is very exciting. It is an opportunity for us to define our identity for decades ahead.It is imperative for us in government to bring people along the way as we do this.

Henry Ford's combustion engine drove the transport revolution in Ireland in the early 20th century. It led to a move from horses to cars that were available in any colour as long as it was black, and available to people who could afford them. There was no State aid and no possibility of any money back for use. It was a revolution that became inevitable very quickly but many people were left behind for decades. Solar panels, which are also only available in black as far as I am aware, can be installed on a roof in a matter of weeks. The scheme would be supported by a Government grant and has the potential to reduce one's energy bill through the self-consumption of the energy produced or through payment for the excess energy that is not used. As inevitable as the motor car was a 100 years ago the economics continue to go only way with renewables. The choice is how quickly we transition and how democratically.

In the midlands, we are to be further supported through the EU Just Transition Fund, which will likely open for applications later this year. My vision is that the fund will be used to help community driven projects to literally take power into their own hands. Last week, saw an announcement of provisional offers in the renewable energy support scheme, which is the Government's way of supporting grid-scale renewable energy projects through a series of auctions. A higher level of support is payable to those projects that are 100% community owned. Calling a solar company about installing panels on a roof is relatively easy to do but the idea of starting a community project may be very daunting. Thankfully, the work is already under way and people can join in. For example, in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath there are about 35 sustainable energy communities that have an interest in community-led renewable energy.

As well as speaking to people in the midlands, in recent months I have travelled from Donegal to south Kerry, to Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Limerick and Clare. Last week I was closer to home in Kildare as part of biodiversity week. The common theme everywhere I go is that people understand the need for climate action and they want to do what they can to get involved. To everyone who wants to play their part in this great transition of our time, I suggest three easy steps to build on one's own personal climate action this week. The first is to get a quote for a solar panel, the second is to reach out to the nearest sustainable energy community and see how it can benefit you and your environment and the third is to sit down at one's kitchen table and plan. Many of us do this for our family budget so why not for a carbon budget?

Speaking for my own constituency in Laois-Offaly, I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine the midlands, breathe life into the region through job opportunities and service, and to drive collective ways of working in transport, energy and in the circular economy social enterprises. Let us lead the way in the midlands and set ourselves the goal of being the best area in western Europe for positive community-based climate action.