Cowen to raise Just Transition delays in meeting with Taoiseach
Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has organised a meeting with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, on July 9 next to discuss the lack of progress on Just Transition in Offaly.
Deputy Cowen has again voiced his disappointment and frustration regarding the delays surrounding the delivery of Just Transition, and has been at the forefront of Fianna Fail's negotiations to ensure that revenue raised from carbon taxes is used to fund Just Transition in areas and counties most impacted by decarbonisation.
The Offaly Deputy has been in constant communication with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, in recent months on the issue and said the slow pace and lack of progress to date "is a far cry from where expected to be today. In recent weeks I have posed a series of written PQ’s to Minister Eamon Ryan on Just Transition matters. Unfortunately, his responses confirmed my fears with just €166,000 been drawn down to date.
‘Deputy Cowen outlined how he had recently conveyed his concerns in writing to An Taoiseach. "While he acknowledged that Covid-19 restrictions have had an impact on the speedy implementation of Just Transition in the Midlands, he assured me that this government is fully committed to its full implementation."
Deputy Cowen, along with local TD’s from the regions affected and Council officials met with MEPs this morning (Monday) to outline the importance of the Government's submission in relation to the territorial Just Transition plans which define the territories in which the Just Transition Fund will be used. "It is imperative that this plan aids the counties most impacted by job losses associated with decarbonisation" he added.
In relation to his meeting with An Taoiseach on July 9 next, Deputy Cowen said he has invited all TD's from Laois/Offaly, along with Senator Pippa Hackett, to attend this meeting if they wish. "I look forward to discussing the issues outlined and ensuring that the exit from peat in the Midlands is managed in a fair way" he concluded.