Carol Nolan
Question:97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the current phase of Just Transition Funding will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/26]
View answerWednesday, 6 May 2026
Questions (97, 98)
Carol Nolan
Question:98. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there will be another phase of Just Transition Funding; if so, if will outline the timeframe for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33339/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
The EU Just Transition Fund has committed a total of €169m through Government and EU co-funding to support the communities most negatively affected by the move away from fossil fuels and the cessation of commercial peat extraction. To date, 15 funding calls have been completed under the Programme with over €120m provided to more than 170 projects under signed grant agreement in the wider Midlands area. These figures will continue to be updated as further grant agreements are finalised.
Following an Expression of Interest stage which ran between February and March 2026, a closed funding call for Local Authorities commenced on 28 April 2026 under the Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) scheme. This call is anticipated to be the final funding call under the EU JTF Programme.
The START scheme, administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, represents an investment of €30 million into the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory focussed on local climate action. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy.
This new scheme will further support the climate transition and overall resilience of the Just Transition Territory by supporting projects contained within Local Authority Climate Action Plans. The types of projects that may be funded under this scheme include renewable energy projects, energy efficiency works, rehabilitation of contaminated land such as former landfills, and investment in sustainable transport infrastructure in their local area.
Local authorities in the region will lead the delivery of these projects, from identifying local priorities and applying for funding to working with community partners on implementation. They may partner with community groups, NGOs and other organisations.
The deadline for Local Authorities to submit applications for capital works projects under this scheme is 2 June while the deadlines for Local Authorities to submit applications for feasibility studies is 30 June. Further information on the scheme is available on the Pobal website: www.pobal.ie/programmes/eujtf-start/.
Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 97.