Just transition report welcome but we need to see action now – Naughten

In East Galway, East-Roscommon, Jobs, Local Issues, Mid-Roscommon, News, South Roscommon by Denis Naughten

Denis Naughten TD has welcomed the publication of the Just Transition Commissioner Report but warned we need to see real action on the delivery of measures within communities right across the region now.

 

“Every time we hear of ‘Just Transition’ we are always one more announcement away from action,” stated Denis Naughten. “We cannot accept a situation where we must wait for Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted or the next Budget cycle; we just don’t have the luxury of time.

 

“We must see action now because there are 260 families dependent on a peat harvest this summer. And sadly, there is no guarantee that peat harvesting will be allowed pending the very complex planning process that Bord na Mona must go through.

 

“We immediately need to start intensive bog rehabilitation on decommissioned Bord na Mona bogs and we need to see the €11m in the ‘Just Transition Fund’ allocated to shovel ready projects that can create jobs now not in 10 years’ time.

 

“While everybody across Ireland is understandably concerned about businesses being closed as a result of Covid-19, we have a situation in the Midlands where there may be no work for hundreds of Bord na Mona and ESB staff once the current restrictions are lifted.

“My fear is that this issue, while a priority before Christmas, will be pushed under the carpet after the Covid crisis. While there is much work to be done to plan for our future economy after the current health emergency, much of the planning should have been completed on the Bord na Mona job situation and we now need to see practical action.

“There is no reason why mentoring support and advice cannot be provided remotely to those who want to start a new business. Skills analysis, career advice and some retraining can also be done remotely and this needs to happen now not in November.

“The learning from this could then be adapted to support workers across the wider economy who may be facing the prospect of not returning to work. The current Covid restrictions cannot be used as an excuse to do nothing. The present situation is serious, and we need to see leadership from both Bord na Mona and the Government on this vital issue,” concluded Denis Naughten.

ENDS.