Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right that the ESB has a key role, and it is important that my Department engages and continues to engage with the ESB on the future of the midlands.

I will address specifically the Shannonbridge and Lanesborough power plants and what their future is. The just transition commissioner made a recommendation in the first progress report in May 2020 that a study be undertaken on the future potential of ESB power stations at Lanesborough and Shannonbridge for the establishment of a dedicated energy hub in the midlands. This is a commitment in the programme for Government and we take that seriously. The ESB has been deeply engaged with my Department, the result of which is a planning application to be lodged shortly to develop additional energy services at these two sites. These will include synchronous condensers and energy storage capabilities at both locations. This type of energy infrastructure is key for the success of renewable energy projects in the area. Offaly has always been a centre in Ireland for energy, whether it was Bord na Móna or ESB. Now it is wind power and solar power, both of which need that balancing technology to allow stable power to be given to the grid or into energy storage and so on. I believe there will be a bright and hopeful future for the midlands, and especially in areas like Offaly where there have been worrying closures of plants. It is a difficult time to go through a transition. The Government is absolutely committed to making sure there is a just transition, sufficient funding and investment, retraining, bog restoration, retrofitting, support for community projects and State strategic support to allow this region to transition from its successful past to a successful future.

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