Funding for dozens of Just Transition projects in the Shannonside region could be at risk unless the ESB moves to release funding directly to groups in the coming weeks
Roscommon senator Eugene Murphy says the closure of bogs and the permanent end to peat production has ended a 70 year long economic lifeline for the region.
The Just Transition Fund is a multi-million euro support package for areas affected by Bord na Mona and the ESB's move away from fossil fuels.
Six million euro had been allocated to the Midlands and mid-western region by the ESB to support job creation, public projects and infrastructure development.
However, it has now emerged that strict EU funding rules could jeopardise the entire project as local communities would be required to provide match funding up 50% for projects.
Senator Murphy has warned that further delay in the payment of this fund could result in the collapse of recovery plans:
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