An Irish MEP for the Midlands–North-West has been given a key role in scrutinising the EU policy on the Just Transition Fund.

Ciaran Mullooly has been appointed as the ‘rapporteur’ for the Just Transition Fund, and how it affects EU cohesion policy, for the parliament’s Committee on Regional Development.

In the parliament, a rapporteur is an MEP appointed to handle a policy proposal in a particular area, analysing it, consulting stakeholders, and drafting a report with recommendations.

The rapporteur also represents the committee’s position in plenary (full) sessions of the parliament.

Mullooly said that the position will allow him “play a pivotal role in shaping the future of how cohesion policy supports regions transitioning away from carbon-intensive industries across all EU countries in just transition regions”.

His responsibilities will include leading discussions on this area with the regional development committee, proposing amendments to existing policies, and presenting the committee’s recommendations in plenary sessions.

Mullooly said his appointment is “particularly significant for Ireland’s Just Transition Fund regions, including counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly and parts of Galway, Kildare and Tipperary, where many lost their jobs in Bord na Móna and ESB”.

He said his role will allow him to bring these regions’ specific challenges to the forefront of EU policy discussions.

“I am honoured to accept this role, which allows me to bring the experience and needs of our regions directly to the heart of EU policy making.

“I will work tirelessly to ensure that the challenges faced by Irish communities are reflected in EU support mechanism,” the Independent Ireland MEP said.

He called for a more equitable distribution of Just Transition Fund resources across EU regions.

“While we understand that the current budget allocation methodology is rightly-environmentally focused, leading to Poland receiving €3.85 billion due to its coal industry’s higher carbon emission intensity and the potential impact on up to 80,000 jobs, we must remember that the personal impact of job loss is equally devastating, whether it’s in Ireland’s peat industry or Poland’s coal sector,” he said.

“We need to ensure that all affected regions, including Ireland’s midlands, receive adequate support to cope effectively with the transition.”

Mullooly added that Ireland’s allocation from the fund of €84.5 million, which was matched by the government to bring the figure up to €169 million, is significantly less than some other countries.

“We need to address this disparity while ensuring a balanced approach that directly supports affected workers and communities,” he said.

He added: “The position allows me to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources across all effected areas in the EU, while also ensuring that the specific needs of each region are taken into account.”

The MEP also called for a streamlining of the implementation of the Just Transition Fund.

“We must work to simplify procedures and reduce administrative burden to ensure that these vital resources reach the communities that need them most, as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Mullooly said.