Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

124. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in order to secure additional funding to address rising inflation costs and to ensure just transition projects proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023, sets out how the Government is supporting the Midlands region in response to these developments and as it transitions towards a low carbon economy.

The Department is funding 56 projects in the Midlands through the National Just Transition Fund. The Fund will provide up to €22.1 million in grant funding over the lifetime of these projects, which will mobilise an estimated €15 million in additional funding to the region. Details of all supported projects can be found on the Fund's webpage at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund.

To date, the National Just Transition Fund has disbursed €5.3 million to participating projects. The Department maintains ongoing contact with grantees, to offer support in addressing any challenges in delivering the projects. Following submission of scheduled implementation reports to my Department in accordance with project grant agreements, my officials are prioritising direct engagement with those projects that have identified challenges in project delivery.

The Department is aware of issues related to inflation-related construction costs increases, which have been reported by a small number of projects. The Department is committed to engaging constructively with projects to identify practical solutions to any challenges identified in order to ensure completion of projects in a timely manner. The Department will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if necessary as part of this process.

The new EU Just Transition Fund will also provide opportunities for further investment in the region, with an overall Programme committing funding of up to €169 million until 2027, prioritising the following areas:

1. Generating employment for former peat communities by investing in the diversification of the local economy by supporting productive investments in enterprise, SMEs and community actions;

2. Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and the regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets; and

3. Providing former peat communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to enable them to benefit directly from the green transition.