Cowen insists more local involvement needed to ensure fairness in Just Transition Funding

Barry Cowen TD, the Fianna Fáil European Election candidate for the Midlands North West, has urged more local community involvement in Just Transition funding.

Deputy Cowen has long called for more local and regional involvement in Just Transition, and welcomes approval for the establishment of a new Just Transition Commission to ensure fairness in the move towards climate neutrality.

It comes after the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, announced €18 million in funding for 15 projects in the Midlands from the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF).

Deputy Cowen wants to see the right people appointed to the Commision to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, especially the people on the ground in communities most affected by Just Transition. 

“I’ve spoken out on the need for greater local and regional ownership in the process of Just Transition for several years, and it’s clear from the latest grants awarded that it is necessary," Deputy Cowen said.

“Offaly is the county most impacted by Just Transition with the acceleration of decarbonisation by Bord na Móna and the ESB having severe impact on peatlands, resulting in extensive job losses, however it received just 3% of the allocated funding. 

“We can’t and won’t leave anyone behind in the climate transition, but we need better communication at European, national and local levels.

“There are extensive benefits from Just Transition, including investment in local communities, creating employment and opportunities in training and upskilling, which stresses the importance of these funds being distributed appropriately.

“It demonstrates the importance of everyone involved working together with Europe on Just Transition to protect workers and communities' livelihoods while moving to sustainable production, which is exactly what I will do if I am elected to the European Parliament on June 7th."

There are 12 projects within the Midlands North West constituency that have been awarded grants from the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF), they range from innovation and community hubs to a range of education and training programmes, and also involve renewable energy and sustainable energy practices. 

Membership of the new Just Transition Commission will be made up of nominees in various areas, including Agriculture; Community and Voluntary; Employer; Environment; and Trade Union, together with individuals with expertise in a range of relevant disciplines including human rights and equality, skills development, rural and community development, social inclusion, the green economic transition, and youth perspectives.

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