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The Assembly’s approval of legislation to establish a Just Transition Commission was today hailed by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir as a significant milestone for climate action in Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the passage of regulations establishing the Commission, the Minister said the body would have a key role in ensuring greenhouse gas emission reduction is achieved in an inclusive, fair and sustainable way.
Minister Muir commented: “Today marks another important step in our climate action journey, building on the publication of the Executive’s Climate Mitigation Programme (NICCAP 3) and progress on the draft Climate Action Plan. The Just Transition Commissionwill help ensure emissions reduction is delivered in an inclusive, fair and sustainable way.
“At the heart of this work is ensuring fairness – addressing climate change through investment in clean energy, warm homes, sustainable public transport, active travel, supporting sustainable agriculture, improving our environment and further developing our circular economy. Climate Action benefits us all delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits from healthier communities to greater food and energy security.”
The Just Transition Commission will include representation from a number of sectors including agriculture, the environment, energy, transport, green finance, trade unions and youth groups.
Minister Muir confirmed: “Following Assembly approval, I am committed to establishing the Commission without delay with a public appointments process soon to commence.”
Appointments to the Commission will be progressed in accordance with the principles of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice, to ensure a fair, open and transparent appointment process.
He added: “These roles offer a unique opportunity to help shape fair, inclusive and representative decarbonisation policy.”
Notes to editors:
- Section 37 of The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (the Act) requires that DAERA, by regulations, establish an independent Just Transition Commission.
- The regulations establish the Just Transition Commission as an advisory body. The primary function of the Commission will be to oversee all departments’ implementation of the just transition elements of the Act and to provide advice to departments on how emissions reduction policies and proposals comply with the just transition principle and objectives as set out in the Act.
- On 27 April 2026, the NI Assembly debated and approved ‘The Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026’.
- Following public consultation, the full membership of the Commission will include representation from 12 sectors: agriculture, environment, fisheries, academia, trade unions, youth groups, civil society, transport, energy, green finance, the built environment and rural communities.
- Following approval of the Regulations the Department will progress a public appointments process in line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments. Prior to the launch of the appointments competition the Department will publish further information.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
