Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Carey and Dooley for raising this issue. I understand absolutely the concerns they raise on behalf of their constituents and the workers at the Moneypoint plant, in particular. As Deputy Dooley rightly pointed out, the use of coal to power electricity plants is to be phased out, with 2025 having been assessed as the date for the ending of such energy generation. The immediate challenge for the ESB is that the rising price of carbon in the emissions trading scheme has put pressure on the company. One of its plants did not get the capacity support to allow it to continue and the company has, therefore, had to initiate the consultation process on its future operation to ensure it will continue to be fit and competitive in such auctions. Clearly, the ESB must also look at the longer term future. I have met its representatives to discuss the matter with them. The company is undoubtedly looking at the future use of the Moneypoint plant, as Deputy Carey indicated, and seeking to identify the opportunities that may arise, including in the use of offshore wind energy and biomass. There are real opportunities for development in Ireland in the years ahead. In creating a pathway to these markets we are undertaking to review the Foreshore Act as part of the climate action plan to ensure offshore wind energy projects, in particular, can be developed. The Moneypoint plant would have a particular competitive advantage in that context. I am also seeking to bring forward the scale and frequency of renewable energy support scheme auctions that will allow for new renewables to come onto the system. I am working strenuously to ensure we can bring them forward in a timely way.

I recognise absolutely that part of a just transition is a requirement to look at the wider regional perspective. We have developed not only in the climate action plan but in the wider national development plan a recognition of the need for significant resources to support the transition. We have set aside resources to the tune of €1 billion for rural development, €1 billion for urban development, €500 million for climate action initiatives and €500 million for disruptive technologies. We will work with the regional enterprise strategies for the affected regions to develop the response. As part of the climate action plan, we have appointed the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, to oversee and have inputs into the work we are doing to ensure there will be a just transition. While Government policy has been designed to deliver this, the NESC has cross-social partnership representation and is engaged in a great deal of very useful economic analysis. It can, therefore, add significant value. I assure the Deputies that developing a road map for the future of the Moneypoint plant and the mid-west region is very high on the Government's agenda.

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