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

I note the Deputy's comments and his passion. I commit that I will take his comments to the Minister and that he may contact my office or the Minister's office and I will reply.

The ESB provided a €5 million contribution to the just transition fund in 2020 to support a just transition in the midlands. I understand that the ESB continues to explore the development of infrastructure in the midlands for use by local community groups. The just transition commissioner facilitated ongoing discussion with the ESB and key stakeholders such as the midlands regional transition team to develop, mobilise and deliver opportunities for the midlands for workers directly affected and the wider community. The ESB is currently developing planning applications for both station sites as renewable energy centres to facilitate growth in the green technology sector. This is in anticipation of future competitive tenders to be held by Eirgrid and the CRU. The proposed technology includes synchronous condensers and energy storage capabilities at both locations. I also understand that the ESB provided an update on its plans for both sites to the most recent meeting of the midlands regional transition team on 1 December. The ESB remains committed to the midlands through the development of these projects, its €5 million contribution to the just transition fund and its network operations, which employ more than 400 highly skilled engineers, technicians and office workers in the region.

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