Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Job Creation

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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147. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions which he has had with stakeholders regarding the replacement of jobs in the midlands following the closure of West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations; the plans for the future use of both sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47192/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The 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 harvesting by Bord na Móna.

The Midlands Implementation Plan, published as part of the Climate Action Plan 2021, outlined the targeted measures by Government to directly support the Midlands region as it transitions away from carbon intensive industries. This plan will continue to be considered as part up the upcoming Climate Action Plan 2023. My Department is continuing to plan for the upcoming EU Just Transition Fund, the purpose of which is to address the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned, and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition.

A public consultation on a draft of Ireland’s Territorial Just Transition Plan took place between 20 December 2021 and 14 February 2022. An update on the development of the Plan and Programme was provided by the Department and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly to the Midlands Regional Transition Team Steering Committee at its last meeting on 28 September. The Department is also supporting 56 projects in the Midlands through the National Just Transition Fund. The Fund will provide up to €22.1 million in grant funding to these projects, which will mobilise an estimated further €15 million in additional funding to the region and support an estimated 178 direct and 999 indirect jobs, as reported by the grantees. Details of all supported projects can be found on the Fund's webpage at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/

In relation to the plan for the future use of both sites, the ESB announced on 18 June 2021, that having considered commercial opportunities within the electricity market as well as national energy and climate action policies, no viable solution was found to repurpose the existing plants. While the ESB is currently exploring opportunities for these sites, the future use and management of ESB-owned facilities remains the responsibility of the Board and management of ESB.

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