Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will publish findings by his Department on the recommended future uses for the peat plant sites at Shannonbridge, County Offaly and Lanesborough, County Longford. [10977/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The first progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, published on 22 May 2020, included a recommendation that a study be undertaken in relation to the future potential of the ESB power stations at both Lanesborough (Lough Ree Power) and Shannonbridge (West Offaly Power) for the establishment of a dedicated Energy Hub in the Midlands. This was subsequently included as a commitment in the Programme for Government. A feasibility study into the establishment of a Green Energy Hub using the existing infrastructure at the West Offaly and Lough Ree sites has been underway over the last number of months.  This is being overseen by a steering group chaired by ESB, and includes representatives of my Department, relevant Local Authorities, and the Just Transition Commissioner.

To inform this group’s work, the ESB commissioned an internal engineering report to examine how the power plants might be re-used in the future. This report was subsequently reviewed by Fichtner on behalf of ESB, an external international consultancy firm with acknowledged expertise in these areas. I expect that the work of the group will finish shortly, and will reach conclusions on the viable use of the existing infrastructure.

I have separately been informed by the ESB that it intends to lodge planning applications shortly to develop additional energy services at these sites. These will include synchronous condensers and energy storage capabilities at both locations. These applications are in anticipation of future competitions to be run by the energy regulator and EirGrid for the provision of these services. The future use and management of ESB-owned facilities remains the responsibility of the Board and management of ESB.

I understand that the ESB and the Just Transition Commissioner have provided updates in relation to this work at recent meetings of the Midlands Regional Transition Team.