Just Transition process in Offaly "could be better", says Martin

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Just Transition process "could be better" in Offaly said Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin during a visit to Tullamore on Thursday, November 14.

"There has been successes from it," Martin said. "I know Barry Cowen was quite critical of the pace of it early on.

"A new commission has been established by the Government two weeks ago. I think what's very important for people in the region is that they see the benefits of Just Transition in terms of new jobs, and new economy."

He added that he believes Bord na Móna is doing "an excellent job" in the region.

"They see the opportunities economically in terms of renewable [energy]. I think Bord na Móna has been an engine of economic growth in the Midlands.

"Barry Cowen and Tony McCormack have been saying we need to engineer Bord na Móna to again be the economic engine of the Midlands - but for different issues."

Just Transition is a scheme introduced in 2020 to help communities across Europe meet the challenges posed by the transition to a zero-carbon economy.