Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services updated the members on the Just Transition Fund and its origins and development to the current status as follows:

From a strategic and programmes point of view the ethos of Just Transition initiative is based on the European Union Communication on New European Green Deal 2019;  Europe Climate Neutral Continent 2050;  National Development Plan – Project Ireland 2040; Climate Action Plan 2019;  Regional Enterprise Plan 2020 (8 Regions); Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES); Regional Growth Centres and Growth Framework;  Just Transition Plans Strategic Framework and  Brown to Green Strategy (Bord na Móna)

Indicators of poor Economic Performance in Northern & Western Region:

•       Commercial vacancy rates within the Northern & Western region are quite high relative to State average – High Vacancy Rate in 7 Counties.

•       Disposable income per head of population remains quite low within the region, and is falling behind relative to the State average –  €35,098 V €42,524

•       Northern & Western region is not capturing as much high skilled employment relative to the EU28 and State averages.

•       In recent years, Productivity within the region has fallen back, relative to the State average.

Multiple factors are likely to have caused the region’s GDP to fall relative to the EU average,

however poor performances in these indicators are likely to have contributed.

The Future Focus is on:

•       Infrastructure - Energy, Transport, Water, Digital, Smart Rural Areas, Housing, and Broadband and Urban & Rural Regeneration

•       Economy & Employment - Recovery through Job Creation, New Skills, Regional Growth & Government, Investment and Regional Balance-remote working

•       Environment – Protection of Environment, Climate Action-Carbon Reduction, Circular Economy and Biodiversity

•       Quality of Life – Health Care, Justice, Arts & Culture, Education, Wellness, and Sport

Just Transition Fund 2020:

Applications were open to Business, Community & Local Authorities.

In Strand 1 a total of €1.2 million made to 16 successful applicants for Projects costing less than € 100,000.

In Strand 2 an allocation of €108m was secured by Bord Na Móna for the Peatland Restoration Project in the Midlands which will create 310 Jobs and a further 47 Projects to the value of €27.8M for projects costing more than €100,000.

The successful projects in County Roscommon in Strand 1 were

•       Lough Ree Bay Boardwalk - Roscommon County Council

•       Moore Hub – Community Project

•       Ballyforan Trail – Community Project

In Strand 2 the successful projects are:

•       Cloontuskert/Ballyglass Units - Roscommon County Council

•       Feasibility Study for Greenway/Heritage Trail, Mount Dillon, Funding €212,000

•       Midland Wilderness, Roscommon/Longford County Councils

•       Park Greenway Funding €102,000 Feasibility Study for Landing Space, Start Up or Visitor Centre & Organic Farm Funding €212,000

•       Ballyforan Greenway Loop – Community Project

•       Lough Ree – Access for All, Tourist Product Funding €471,693

•       Cross County Initiatives-18 Projects

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Director for the detailed presentation and stated that the success of the projects will be judged by the number of jobs created in the area and the jobs must be at least of the same standard as the jobs lost due to closure of the midlands power stations.

The members discussed the presentation as follows:

·         Is the proposed visitors centre in Ballyleague

·         It is imperative that the railways in the bogs are retained

·         The former Bord na Mona workers will require upskilling for new jobs

·         The Region in transition requires investment in high quality jobs

·         There is a need to extend the area in question with regard to projects – the villages of Tarmonbarry and Cloondra would benefit from greenway extension from Royal Canal.

·         The cost of demolishing the power station in Lanesboro would be an issue and Roscommon and Longford County Councils should meet and make a submission to the ESB regarding future use of the plant. In any case the station should be retained for future use.

·         Concern at the pace of change

·         The matched funding of 15% for the projects for community groups to raise is a concern

·         There is also the issue of huge data centres being constructed and businesses moving from UK due to Brexit and knock on implications of providing sufficient electricity in Ireland in the short term until alternative sources are established.

·         Welcome the proposed projects locally and all assistance possible be utilised to facilitate the matched funding for local areas.

·         Has there be a reply to a previous request for ESB

·         Well done to staff involved

The Director advised that in relation to matched funding for community groups, Local Authorities may be prohibited from assisting due to the De Minimus clause and no commitments have been made due to clarification required in the matter.