Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
100. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the funding assistance available to develop business projects on bogs by the owners of these sites in light of their discontinued use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has made funding available to the Midlands region, through the National and EU Just Transition Funds, to support workers, companies and communities affected by the ending of peat extraction for power generation by Bord na Móna and by the closure of the ESB's peat-fired power stations in the region.
The National Just Transition Fund, administered by my Department and established in 2020, funds local and community-led projects, which are implementing innovative plans to support the transition to a low carbon economy across a range of activities. Up to €22 million in grant assistance is available to approved projects until the end of 2024. Details of all projects being supported, and grant amounts awarded, are published on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.
The EU Just Transition Fund, established as part of the EU Green Deal, is supporting the longer-term economic transition of the Midlands region in Ireland. Formally launched in April 2023, Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme will provide up to €169 million for investment in the period to 2027 in Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath, and municipal districts of Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, Athy and Clane-Maynooth in County Kildare, and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles in County Tipperary.
Investments under this Programme will focus on three priorities:
• Generating sustainable employment by investing in the diversification of the local economy (up to €87 million available);
• Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and the regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets (up to €57 million available); and
• Providing former peat communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to enable them to benefit directly from the green transition (up to €18 million available).
While the Programme is not specifically intended to support private landowners of bogs, funding assistance may be available to qualifying individuals in accordance with the terms and conditions of individual schemes under the Programme. Further information on open and upcoming funding calls is available from the website of the programme managing authority, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, atemra.ie/eu-jtf/.
Individuals seeking funding in respect of business projects may also be eligible more generally for supports through Enterprise Ireland or through their Local Enterprise Office.
