Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has not addressed the issue of what will happen at Moneypoint. I know ESB and the Minister are considering a number of options, but time is running out. It is five and a half years to 2025 and decisions need to be made on the future of Moneypoint. I invite the Minister to visit Moneypoint. The previous Minister, Deputy Naughten, visited Moneypoint about two years ago and it would be very important for the Minister to come and see the site which is quite extensive. It would be important to meet the staff and see the substantial infrastructure there. We cannot allow it to wither and die; we need a plan for Moneypoint.

Moneypoint is also a deep-sea port and its future may be in maritime traffic as well as in electricity generation. It has potential in that regard. I would certainly like the Minister to visit Moneypoint and see the infrastructure there.

We all understand that we need to move to a low-carbon future and Moneypoint is what one would call a dirty station. While it produces very cheap energy and is important, it needs to be replaced. We need to know if it will be some alternative low-carbon fuel, wind or tide. The people, who work at the station and those who support it, need to know what their future will be. There is great potential for developing wind and wave energy. It has a sizeable site and could be used as a hub for developing such technology.

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