Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment how he is supporting the Just Transition process; the funding being allocated for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11124/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as we work to transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050.

In relation to the Midlands region, the Government continues to support workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the ending of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.

The National Just Transition Fund, established in 2020, continues to support local and community-led projects, which are implementing innovative plans to support the transition to a low carbon economy across a range of activities. The fund will provide up to €22 million in grant assistance to supported projects until the end of 2024.

Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme, launched in April 2023, will provide €169 million until 2027 to support the longer-term economic transition of the Midlands Territory. Approximately €71 million of funding has already been made available under the Programme for projects that support the bioeconomy, electric vehicle charging, regenerative tourism, and the implementation of local and regional economic strategies. Call documentation is currently in development for a further €91 million of funding under the Programme, with these schemes expected to launch throughout 2024.

As outlined in Climate Action Plan 2023, the just transition framework guides the Government’s approach to implementing climate action policies. Climate Action Plan 2023 also committed the Government to establishing a Just Transition Taskforce to provide recommendations to Government on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission. The Taskforce has now concluded its work and I expect shortly to formally receive the final report of the Taskforce.