'Just Transition' among issues discussed at Offaly Fianna Fail meeting

The first in-person Fianna Fáil Tullamore Comhairle Cheantair meeting was held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Monday night last and there was much to be discussed.

Chairperson PJ Lynam opened by warmly welcoming members and highlighted that while it was ''over two years since the last in-person meeting, tremendous work had been done by Deputy Cowen and all of our councillors - who were extremely busy'.
Cllr Tony McCormack, Cathaoirleach of Tullamore MD- spoke with great fervour on the Just Transition project and the submission to the Government made by the Offaly County Council on the Just Transition funding.

Cllr McCormack stated ''the ESB and Bord na Mona have been very good to Offaly over the years, but at the same time Offaly has been very good to them''. Cllr McCormack elaborated stating ''we have provided the talent and the raw materials for those companies to do business... they have been very profitable companies and have operated independently of the government for many years''.

Cllr McCormack went on to compare the current situation to some African nations who have been plundered for their natural resources only to be left abandoned. He shared his frustration at the gap between the promises of job creation and the current reality in the county. He concluded on the topic by outlining his, Deputy Cowen and the other councillors determination to ensure Offaly its share of the €160 million.

Cllr Declan Harvey Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council updated members on a number of other ongoing projects. Councillors spoke of the ongoing Arts Centre construction, which is due for completion later this year and where some had recently attended the site, they described it as a fantastic building and one that would become a great asset to the town. Plans for the continuation of development of the canal greenway from Bolands lock to the Clara bridge was outlined along with a funding for a feasibility study on the further development of the harbour area.

Cllr Danny Owens reflected on the immense progress in relation to the provision of houses in all areas throughout the town and county with record number of housing completions expected this year. The allocation of €14 million for roads throughout the county was also cited as huge benefit to Offaly. Councillors concluded by circling back to the Just Transition fund and how it was expected Offaly would benefit substantially from the Just Transition Funds as Offaly was the area most impacted, with the loss of 1500 jobs.

It was noted that the CC's finances were at their lowest levels in year as a result of the recent Covid pandemic restrictions.
Deputy Cowen in his address to the meeting thanked all the hospital staff and other who were working at the coalface including staff in the vaccination and testing centres throughout the pandemic. He referred to the Government’s programme of support for the safeguarding of employment in all sectors, particularly hospitality and tourism.

The priorities for the Government are in the provision of housing for all and the health service and he noted that there was €6m available to the local Council for the provision of housing units locally, in addition to cost rental and affordable housing schemes. Funding was also made available for the provision of E-Hubs throughout the County.

Deputy Cowen also welcomed the recent substantial grant aids for insulation of homes and would like to see Credit Unions being in a position to provide green loan to homeowners.

Members raised concerns on a number of issues, including the cost and provision of childcare, the extension of the fair deal scheme and the lack of competition in the energy sector. Members also urged greater support and funding for the provision of a local hospice and it was noted that €1 million had been allocated by the government.