Donegal-based analyst appointed to commission informing Ireland’s climate policy

Michelle Murphy, a research and policy analyst at Social Justice Ireland, has been appointed to the government’s Just Transition Commission.

Ms Murphy, who is originally from Kilkenny, now lives in Glenswilly.

As a member of the commission, she will have a a key role in advising and supporting the government to ensure that the move to a climate neutral economy is fair and benefits everyone.

Ms Murphy will represent the community and voluntary pillar of society.

Through her work, she provides research, policy analysis and strategic engagement on sustainability, rural development and the impact of policy on income distribution and social inclusion.

Ms Murphy has produced several pieces of social policy research on sustainability and just transition, including policy options to deliver on our climate targets through a Just Transition framework, the impact of Brexit on a just transition in rural communities in Ireland, the impact of our climate targets on regional development, and trends in income distribution, poverty and social inclusion.

Key tasks facing the Government in delivering a just climate transition include the need to maximise employment opportunities, and to support people and communities that may be most negatively affected by the transition away from fossil fuels, and to put engagement and sustainable community development at the heart of its approach.

Welcoming the government’s approval of the appointments, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said: “Ensuring that we have a fair move to a new greener Ireland has been a priority for me and I am very pleased to be able to confirm the appointments to Ireland’s first Just Transition Commission in what is an important milestone for Ireland’s climate policy. The Commission will have an important role in advising and supporting us so that our climate policies work for everyone and benefit all communities.