Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District not in fossil fuel scheme

Councillors will write to the Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications, and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, to clarify the reason why the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) was excluded from a fossil fuel transition programme.

Fine Gael Cllr Mark Stafford and Fianna Fáil Cllr Rob Power made the recommendation at the latest Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, December 14.

'DISAPPOINTED'

The two politicians said that they were ‘disappointed’ to learn of the apparent decision to exclude the MD from the Territorial Just Transition Plan and Programme, which was set up to support alternative enterprise and move communities way from fossil fuel usage.

They also pointed to how many people in the MD rely on fossil fuels at present, with Cllr Stafford telling Kildare County Council (KCC): "It would be a huge blow (for the MD) to be excluded from the programme."

In it’s report at the meeting, KCC said the following: "The MD was included in the local Just Transition plan which was provided to Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA).

"Kildare County Council proposes to follow up with relevant government departments to clarify the matter.

"The map included in the recently published Just Transition report shows the proposed territory where the EU Just Transition Fund could be focused."

KCC added: "The areas are yet to be confirmed by the European Commission."

DECISION

In the end, the members in attendance agreed to write to Minister Ryan for clarity around the decision to exclude the MD, and to also request confirmation of an appeal procedure.