€169-million in EU Just Transition Funding to support Midlands move from fossil fuels - Lowry

Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed the announcement from Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD, that Cabinet approval has been secured for significant EU Funding to support the Midlands region, including North Tipperary and Offaly, as Ireland moves away from fossil fuels.

This funding, totalling approximately €169million, will come from the EU's Just Transition Fund. It will be used to address the Employment, Economic, Social and Environmental consequences associated with the move away from peat production and peat-based energy generation.

Over the next decade, the investment will be directed towards the Midlands Region and North Tipperary with the aim of creating new green jobs, promoting enterprise, increasing sustainable tourism, restoring damaged peatlands and mitigating the economic repercussions of the transition to climate neutrality.

"This is a very positive move’ says Deputy Lowry. ’I have been advocating for the inclusion of North Tipperary in the Just Transition Fund since 2019 with successive Ministers for the Environment, Climate, and Communications.

"The European Commission is expected to formally endorse the EU Just Transition Fund Plan and Programme next month. Further information on the Programme will be available in early 2023", Deputy Lowry said.