Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway, Dep Eugene Murphy, has expressed his concern at Live Register figures for the Midlands which have increased.
“In the Midlands the live register figures have increased by 764 in July 2019," Dep Murphy said. "This is a worrying trend for our region.
“While I appreciate Live Register figures fluctuate with seasonal workers it is imperative the Midlands is not left behind unlike other regions.
“We have lost jobs due to the threatened closure of the Bord Na Mona and ESB plants. We need a just transition phase for the Midlands. Permitting an unjust transition and ignoring the real concerns of workers and communities risks undermining public trust.
“The landmark report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action stressed the need for a social dialogue through the creation of a National Just Transition Task Force," he continued. "Fine Gael supported the establishment of this task force this year, yet it is absent from the government’s new Climate Plan.
“It is vital for balanced regional development that environments which facilitate job creation are developed outside the M50.
“We need appropriate supports for the Midlands. Under Fine Gael that has simply not happened,” concluded Deputy Murphy.
