Public meeting in Offaly hears concerns over new ESB gas powered energy plant
The gas powered plant is being developed on a site owned by the ESB in Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly
A public meeting in west County Offaly has heard concerns about a new ESB emergency power plant which is due to start operating shortly.
Following the public meeting in Shannonbridge, Minister of State Pippa Hackett said: “It’s clear that there are some serious concerns among the community in relation to the operation of the Temporary Emergency Generation plant by ESB.
“It is very important that these are addressed and I commend the Shannonbridge Action Group for arranging the opportunity for ESB to meet the whole community and to receive feedback. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend in person, but I arranged for representation.
“I understand there have been problems regarding water supply. I believe that there was a commitment on the night to work directly with those affected and that is very welcome. A wider concern is air quality and implications for health of the operation of the Temporary Emergency Generation plant.
“The plant is intended for infrequent, emergency use, to provide power at short notice during ‘amber alerts’ and to avoid black outs. ESB told the community that the eight units will run for, in the region of, one hour each, every month for testing purposes.
“Given the community’s concerns, I believe that either the air quality in Shannonbridge requires fulltime monitoring, or the community needs an unequivocal, science-based explanation of why such fulltime monitoring is not needed.
“I have contacted the EPA and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to follow up on this and I will keep Shannonbridge Action Group informed,” added Senator Hackett.
Argan, the company building the Shannonbridge emergency gas power plant in Offaly was cleared to start full construction on the project in August last year.
Shannonbridge is one of several temporary gas-fired power plants the Government is developing due to concerns around possible energy shortages. The project is being developed on a site owned by the ESB.
