
A €30 million Just Transition fund has been allocated for the midlands.
The Environment Minister is confident new budget measures can help Bord na Móna workers in the midlands.
€30 million was allocated for a Just Transition Fund in yesterday's Budget announcement, along with the appointment of a new commissioner for transition.
Minister Richard Bruton says opportunities will be offered to Bord na Móna staff to retrain and work in the retro-fitting of homes and the rehabilitation of bogland in the midlands.
He says he's been liaising with the relevant stakeholders to ensure staff can continuing working during the transition:
SIPTU Energy Organiser Willie Noone says the Budget announcement sounds good in theory but the amount is insufficient in supporting Bord na Móna workers.
He says the semi-state company allocated almost €41 million to voluntary services for the workers laid off last year: