Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will provision be made for the continuation of compensation for local authorities in Longford and Offaly for the loss of commercial rates revenue as a result of the escalation of decarbonisation and the closure of power plants? The Loughrea power station in County Longford was the largest rate payer in the county at €1.2 million annually. That compares dramatically with the average rate bill locally which is just €1,800. The report from the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, was very specific on this point. He was adamant that it would be unfair if provision was not made centrally to compensate local authorities for such a significant loss in revenue, especially as the planned closure was brought forward from the original planned date of 2027. Bringing forward the closure decision has undoubtedly posed large financial challenges for Longford County Council, which is already operating in a very challenging socioeconomic environment.

See this speech in context