A programme for Government that includes the continuation of the Just Transition policy in its current form will not be supported by independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan.
In a statement on the matter, the TD added that “measures that will levy punitive tax and financial measures onto farmers and workers in the midland counties” would also be a deal-breaker in any talks.
Deputy Nolan was speaking after she submitted a detailed list of policy priorities which are to be included in the Rural Independent Group’s response to meetings with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“As a member of the Rural Independent Group I have made my position clear around the need to radically re-evaluate the direction and end-game of the Just Transition Strategy,” deputy Nolan said.
The TD noted that what was initially proposed “was, at least in theory, a fair and comprehensive approach” that sought to maximise job retention while enabling other forms of employment for workers in the midlands. However, she said:
None of that has taken place. Instead, what we have seen is a rapid escalation of the de-carbonisation process, a shortening of the time-frame in which this is due to take place and a total absence of focus on workers in the likes of Bord na Móna, the ESB and all other ancillary industries.
Stressing the need to “implement strategic and targeted job creation initiatives that will support and accelerate economic recovery in the midlands”, the TD said:
“At present the entire focus seems to be on cutting jobs and the potential for jobs and doing anything to appease the green agenda without any meaningful assessment of how many rural livelihoods may be impacted.
“That is not the direction we need to be going in. There has to be a more appropriate level of balance.
“I have also called for the publication of the Mulvey Report and for a commitment to allow sufficient time for stakeholder and union engagement on any recommendations that may emerge from the Mulvey Report.
The Mulvey Report cannot be simply accepted as ‘fait accompli’ if it means widespread economic disruption to the midlands.
Concluding, deputy Nolan stressed that difficult questions now need to be asked of the main political parties – in particular: “Are they willing to sacrifice the regional growth of the midland counties in order to get into government?”