The just transition fund has delivered more than €169 million into the midlands and is in place until 2027. However, a significant number of local projects struggled to gain the matched funding to deliver those projects on time. I am looking for the Government to seek an extension on that just transition drawdown so these projects can be completed. I want the Government to look at introducing a just transition economic zone, similar to the Shannon free zone. We have seen the benefit that had for that whole mid-west region down in the south. We should consider creating a just transition zone in the midlands to encompass counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly, centred on TUS in Athlone. It would drive further economic activity into the midland region into the future.

In November 2022, the European Commission adopted Ireland's territorial just transition plan and associated programme. That was launched in April 2023. There is a total commitment of €169 million to the just transition process in the midlands designated territory, as approved by the Commission. Of the total, €84.5 million is from the EU just transition fund out to 2027.

The Deputy's question relates to whether we could create a zone. I refer to the legislative framework under which such a zone would be created in the modern era, or the context. In terms of incentives or supports, they tend to be national as opposed to zone by zone. I will discuss it with him further but we need to be very clear about what we are actually looking for. In many respects, the Shannon free zone was a feature of an earlier era and there have been many changes since then. I will talk to the Deputy about it.