Partnership will be key to Longford's Just Transition - Ryan

Mr Ryan said while glimpses of the midlands region's switch from a brown to green mindset going forward was already evident, the need for a partnershp orientated approach was crucial.

“I absolutely believe if you are looking for an example of bold, strategic, inspiring and particularly a partnership approach that is what we do and what we are good at in this country,” he said.

Mr Ryan was speaking at the launch of the EU's Just Transition Fund at Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in Kenagh, Co Longford last Friday.

The funding will be used over the coming decade to create new jobs and alleviate economic impacts that come from a transition to climate neutrality.

Comment: Talk is cheap, delivery of Longford's share of €169m Just Transition is a whole different story

A bold investment in our future and one that will ensure no community is left behind.

Mr Ryan spoke of how €108m had already been spent in enhancing and restoring decommissioned boglands with €87m set to be set aside solely on job creation.

The investment is separate to a fund of about €22 million also called the Just Transition Fund, already put in place by the Government.

“Failte Ireland are going to allocate some €38m, similarly Pobal they will be providing a programme of €29m to support bottom up, local community initiatives and they will be bold, creative, fast,” he vowed.

Longford launch of €169m fund hears that 'Just Transition is about leaving nobody behind'

“The Department of Agriculture have a critical role in providing €20m into smart research by using our land resources in all sorts of innovative ways.

“The Department of National Parks and Wildlife will invest a further €12m in the further restoration of depleted bogs.”
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke endorsed those soundings by referencing the likes of rural broadband and job creation as key cornerstones of that plan.

“One of the key things is and we talk as a government about trying to transform our communities and change how we go about our daily lives is seeing the results of that and this is going to be key to this project,” he said.

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A local social enterprise project that has a strong focus on sustainability was highly praised by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with special responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett.

Minister of State Anne Rabbitte followed suit, adding: “ A Just Transition is about leaving no one behind as we move to a more sustainable future.”