Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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201. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the Government’s Just Transition Plan for workers affected by the move away from fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59024/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Just transition is a horizontally applicable principle of climate action. In line with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, Government shall, in the performance of certain functions under that Act, have regard to the requirement for a just transition to a climate neutral economy which endeavours, in so far as is practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and support persons and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.

To support workers and communities already impacted by the transition from fossil fuels after the closure of peat fired power stations in the Midlands and the cessation of peat harvesting, the Government introduced a number of measures targeting the just transition of the Midlands. This included the National Just Transition Fund which was active between 2020-2024 and provided over €16 million to local projects to support communities transitioning to a low carbon economy. The EU Just Transition Fund remains active in the region up to 2027 representing a total commitment of €169 million to support the long-term transition of the region.

Furthermore, the Climate Change Advisory Council's 2024 review of Industry and Waste recommended that the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment develop a Just Transition Plan to provide a pathway on how the sectors will transition to a carbon-neutral economy without disadvantaging segments of the workforce and the wider community. The provision of an update on the status of this recommendation is a matter for that Department.