Inclusion of Kildare Co Co's Just Transition

Uimhir Thagarta Uathúil: 
KCC-C55-432
Stádas: 
Submitted
Aighneacht: 
Just Transition, Environemnt, Petlands, Eco-Tourism, Biodiverity
Údar: 
West Kildare SMART Rural Alliance (SRA)
Comhairliúchán: 
Draft Kildare County Development Plan 2023 - 2029

1. Introduction and Context

Caibidil: 
Volume 1 - chapters » 1. Introduction and Context
Ábhair: 
1. Introduction

Please include a reference to Kildare Co Co's Just Transition Plan 2022, noting Kildare Co Co's representation on the EMRA which is managing the next round of EU Just Transition Funds for the Great Midlands Region.

Main opinion: 

West Kildare SRA welcomes the increased focus on harnessing our natural assets in a manner that responds to the climate and biodiversity crises. It welcomes Kildare Co Co's initiative in developing a Just Transition Plan for West Kildare, and notes the Council's role within the EMRA which will manage the delivery of the next round of EU Just Transition Funds. We welcome the support for the National Peatlands Park, and look forward to support for inter-county work which recognises and builds on the shared landscape, history and socio-economic experiences of communities across the wider Just Transition Region. The National Peatlands Park, Blueway, Peatways and Greenways are central to a Just Transition in West Kildare; and to building the areas reputation as an eco-tourism destination. However, the County's Biodiversity Plan is out of date as is the County's Matrix for the Impact of Development on Landscape - both need to be updated as a matter of urgency.

Main requests: 

That the principles of Social Dialogue and equipping people/communities with the skills to participate in, and benefit from, the future net zero economy are embedded in the CDB Plan.

Main reasons: 

Unless there is a commitment to social dialogue and ensuring that communities are core to the transition process, communities will be left behind and the potential of Just Transition will not be realised.