The Government's 'Just Transition' Commissioner, who is charged with helping Shannonside communities cope with the move away from peat production, believes there will have to be special incentives to attract alternative industries to the region.
Roscommon man Mr. Kieran Mulvey was today answering questions before the Oireachtas Climate Change committee where he outlined his initial impressions on the challenges facing the industry and how to help workers adapt and develop new skills.
He was announced as the Commissioner at the same time the ESB confirmed in November that it was ceasing the production of electricity at its Lough Ree and Shannonbridge power stations - with the buildings set to be vacated by this time next year.
Bord na Mona is set to lay off dozens of staff in the coming months with attempts to re-employ some workers on bog rehabilitation projects in the Shannonside region.
The well-known mediator has confirmed his role is part-time for a two-year period, and he will not be involving himself at present in industrial relations issues between unions and Bord na Mona, but can be involved in IR issues at the ESB.
He told the Committee that in order for people who are losing their jobs to be re-employed in the Shannonside region, a conscious effort will need to be made to attract new firms to the region in order to offer alternative employment:
