Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when it is expected that the proposed just transition territorial plan and associated plan will be presented to the European Commission for approval to enable Ireland to participate in the EU Just Transition fund for the period 2021 to 2027. [36199/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat extraction by Bord na Móna.  

The EU Just Transition Fund aims to address the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories, and promoting a balanced socio-economic transition. Ireland must prepare a Territorial Just Transition Plan and accompanying Programme, for approval by the European Commission, in order to secure access to its allocation of €84.5 million under the Fund. This plan and programme will set out Ireland’s proposed investment priorities as well as targeted sectors and regions. I have appointed the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as Managing Authority for the Fund, and my Department and Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly are jointly developing the Plan and Programme.

A draft of the Territorial Just Transition Plan was previously published by my Department for public consultation. This draft, a report on the consultation, and written submissions received, have been published at: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/352c3-public-consultation-on-the-eu-just-transition-fund/

The Territorial Just Transition Plan and Programme are being finalised for submission to Government and subsequent consideration by the European Commission. I intend that the final Plan and Programme will be adopted formally by the European Commission before the end of 2022.