Just Transition body to be set up to ensure ‘no-one left behind’ in move in climate action measures

The ‘Just Transition Commission’ will have representatives of business, workers, farming, the environment, and community and voluntary groups.

Recruitment will begin shortly with the aim of the commission holding its first meeting in in the autumn.

The initiative is a follow-on from the work of the commissioner for just transition in the Midlands, Kieran Mulvey.

Mr Mulvey was appointed in the wake of Bord na Móna’s decision to transition away from fossil fuels, close the peat-fired power stations and end commercial peat extraction across Offaly, Westmeath and surrounding areas.

He was tasked with recommending supports for those who lost their jobs and interventions to help generate replacement employment.

Mr Mulvey was then tasked with chairing a committee to consider the need for a permanent just transition body for the entire country.

His final report, accepted by the Government this week, says a Just Transition Commission is needed.

He noted that the Government already had the Climate Change Advisory Council but said its role was to advise on what the government should do whereas a Just Transition Commission would advise on how it should be done.

He said there was still some ambiguity around the meaning of just transition and recommended that a single definition be adopted.

It would say: “A Just Transition to a climate neutral Ireland will build a better future for all and ensure no-one is left behind.

“Through investment in services, infrastructure and social protection, people and communities that may be affected by this transition will be supported in a manner that is inclusive, equitable and fair.”

Mr Mulvey warned that the transition to climate neutrality would be challenging, requiring continuous, consistent commitment “over several decades and multiple government terms”.

He said its initial work should focus on analysing the potential impacts of climate action measures on all sectors of the country’s workforce.

The initiative comes amid unrest particularly in the agricultural sector over proposed measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and land drainage.

Other sectors also face potentially significant cost and operational impacts from the switch away from fossil fuels, including heavy industries and private transport operators.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Action, Eamon Ryan, welcomed Cabinet’s approval for establishing a permanent commission.

“A just transition is the fastest way to a green transition, and the only way that guarantees that we bring everybody with us as we move to a climate-neutral economy,” he said.

“The Commission will be the public voice of a Just Transition. It will work to anticipate and inform long-term climate policy by focusing on the potential impacts, risks and opportunities arising from the climate transition for different sectors of the economy and society, in particular those at most risk of being left behind.

“We have to be innovative and flexible in the way we approach this transition, ensuring that it works from the bottom up.”