Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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64. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that the selection criteria used in the awarding of contracts under Just Transition funds will include a criterion that recognises favourably applicants and communities located in the affected regions that are impacted by the low-carbon transition associated with meeting the EU’s 2030 targets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29902/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The EU Just Transition Fund is designed to support the most affected regions in EU Member States to meet the challenges associated with achieving the EU's climate targets for 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. The Just Transition Fund will invest in specific projects that will contribute to alleviating the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. 

In order to access the Just Transition Fund, Ireland must prepare a Territorial Just Transition Plan for approval by the European Commission. The Territorial Plan will define the regions eligible for funding and the measures to be funded, in line with the relevant EU regulation.  The criteria used to select projects will depend on design of individual measures to be supported under the Territorial Plan. It is expected that this Territorial Plan will be completed and submitted to the European Commission in the second half of 2021.