Debate contribution: Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

Debate contribution by Mr Daniel McCrossan on 27 April 2026.

MLA

Mr Daniel McCrossan

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

27 April 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Executive Committee Business

Heading

Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5508594

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I support the regulations. The SDLP believes in a just transition. Quite simply, it means fairness. If we are serious about tackling climate change, we also need to be serious about how we bring people with us on that journey. The reality is that not everyone will feel the impact of climate action in the same way; it will affect everyone differently. Some workers will feel more exposed; some industries will face bigger changes; many farmers will face uncertainty; and a lot of families will come under more pressure because of the cost of living. If we get it wrong, we risk asking those who can least afford it to carry the heaviest burden, which people will not accept. That is why the commission matters and is important. People do not want to hear about targets or strategies; they want to know what it means each day for them and their job, their farm, their business, their future or their family. The commission is responsible for helping to answer those questions and bringing clarity where there has been none. Just as important is that it has to make sure that the people most affected are part of shaping the answers. However, let us be honest about it: it cannot become another body that meets occasionally, produces reports and then disappears into the background.

Absolutely. As a representative of a rural constituency, I wholeheartedly agree with the points made by my colleague Mr McGlone. It comes back to the point that this cannot be simply about producing another report for the sake of it; tangible action and outcomes are needed to ensure that that is the case. Any plan needs to be duly resourced in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for those affected. It also goes without saying that resources must be put in place to ensure that any recommendations from such reports can be implemented. We also have to be conscious that local government, the planning system and others are often the greatest blockage in any transition. As I said, the commission cannot become just another body that meets occasionally or produces reports and then disappears into the background; it must be active and visible. It needs to engage properly with people on the ground. That means listening to workers who are worried about their livelihoods; listening to the rural communities for which my colleague Mr McGlone advocates daily; listening to rural dwellers who feel that decisions are often made without them being considered; and, of course, listening to small businesses that are trying to do the right thing but need clarity and support and to be met halfway. We often talk about people having to make the necessary change and transition. Unfortunately, as I have said, the frustrations that I hear on the ground are about the planning process and about the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA ) and, often, other government structures being the blockage to any purposeful and meaningful change.

I will indeed, yes.

Yes, it certainly does, Minister. I am always happy to give way to you. However, you will also understand that there is great frustration with the NIEA. We are well aware of what its responsibilities are. Whether it is carrying out its responsibilities in a timely fashion or responding to people in a timely fashion is entirely another question.

I will indeed, yes.

Absolutely, Patsy. That is a well made point. I also note that the Minister referenced the planning improvement plan. Whilst a plan is important, planning improvement action would be much more appreciated. It is a major blockage to people and really needs to be resolved; in fact, a lot of people would be achieving their own targets if some of those hurdles were removed much more swiftly. We also need to listen to small businesses that are trying to do the right thing. They need a lot of clarity and support. I declare an interest as a company director of a hospitality business. It is not an easy time for anybody in business. There are huge pressures, many of them external and beyond our control. However, there are also things that we can do to assist those at the coalface in our community who do a difficult job. We should remember that small businesses in our communities are the largest employer in Northern Ireland. Unless people feel heard, they will not buy into the changes that are needed. People need to feel that their views are being considered and understood. We also need to recognise that there is opportunity here. We are clear on that. If done properly, which the Minister is absolutely dedicated to doing, the transition to a low-carbon economy can create good, secure jobs — jobs that we would all like to see — drive innovation, as my colleague pointed out, and strengthen our economy for the long term. However, that will not happen by accident. It requires clear thinking, proper planning and a commitment to fairness. That includes making sure that every region benefits, not just some. Too often, places such as west of the Bann, my constituency of West Tyrone and Patsy's constituency of Mid Ulster feel like an afterthought. A just transition means that that can no longer happen. At its core, it is about trust: trust that government will act fairly; trust that people will be supported through the change; and trust that no community will be left behind. That is where the Executive and the Department must do more than set targets; they must show clearly how people will be supported in real, practical terms. If that trust is not there, no strategy, no matter how well written, will succeed.

950 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:31 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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