Tipperary North General Election candidate praises green jobs boost in Tipp

The Green transition has led to thousands of new jobs in Ireland including in Co Tipperary said Green Party General Election candidate Iva Pocock.

“Since the Greens have been in Government we’ve seen a massive expansion of home retrofitting across the country, with every tradesperson in high demand, particularly in rural areas,” said Pocock.

“Likewise there are are now jobs in almost every parish that didn’t exist three years ago in fitting and installing solar PV panels and batteries in homes and businesses. These jobs are a direct result of the Greens slashing solar panel VAT to 0%, lifting planning restrictions and funding solar schemes for businesses and farmers.”

“Thurles is home to one of the approved national retrofit providers – Electric Ireland Superhomes – providing some 60 jobs – again jobs that would not be here if it wasn’t for the Greens delivering in Government.

“The ESB has recruited almost 1000 people across the island for new roles, particularly in building new grid infrastructure required for the shift to renewables. Many of these jobs are highly specialised and highly paid.”

“The existence and potential employment in retrofitting and renewables has been recognised by TUS and Tipperary FET which now offer a variety of courses on retrofitting, BER assessment, solar installation and decarbonising industry.

“It’s worth noting that the National retrofit programme was inspired by a Tipperary Energy Agency pilot scheme which showed how homes could radically increase comfort levels, reduce energy bills and cut emissions.”

“I am proud that the Green Party recognised the potential of Tipperary Energy Agency’s small scheme and showed real leadership in funding and rolling it out at national level, and spawning so many new green jobs.”

“I meet people all the time when canvassing who appreciate their retrofitted home, whether a social or private house. I am particularly delighted that we now have a new very low interest Home Energy Loan Scheme thanks again to innovation by the Greens in Government. The 500 million EUR scheme funded by the Irish Government and the European Investment Bank is a gamechanger for those in the very squeezed middle who want to upgrade their home. It will impact so many homes for the better, and continue to ensure green jobs.”

“I am also delighted to see that Tipperary continues to lead the way with the National Bioeconomy Campus at Lisheen and the innovative Biomethane Develoment Project that will deliver green local jobs. And of course Nenagh is set to benefit from the shift to renewables with the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Energy which will be built on Martyr’s Road.”

“In order to keep creating green jobs we need the Greens in Government. That’s why I am asking voters in Tipperary North for their number one.”