Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Since the Deputy and I discussed this matter, I have had meetings with Mr. Mulvey, the ESB and the manager of Offaly County Council to discuss it. I am fully aware of the concerns in this matter, particularly in respect of the two plants to which the Deputy referred.

I am sure the Deputy is fully aware that the only reason tenders for removal of the existing plant had to be advertised was that it was a condition of the original planning permission. The European tendering process in that regard does not commit the ESB to any course of action regarding the future use of the site and does not prejudge the outcome of the feasibility study into the possible establishment of a green or renewable energy hub on either site. Given the grid connections that exist on site and the expertise that exists in Bórd na Mona and IN the region in logistics and energy management it is obviously preferable that alternative uses be found rather than simply decommissioning the sites. We should not prejudge what they may be or preclude things. I have heard a variety of different suggestions not just in energy but also in waste management and other areas. As such my instinct is that it is better for us to see what proposals arise out of that, to let the working group do its work and to not rule out any option. In our discussion on the climate fund, I believe I said that if there are good applications coming through, I am sure funding would arise to support them.

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