The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Members to the special meeting that was requested last week to discuss the proposed closure of the peat burning ESB power stations in Lanesboro (Lough Ree) and Shannonbridge in 2020.

The members expressed their disappointment at what was a very sudden announcement that was not expected for at least five years and no contingency plans have been put in place:

They raised the following matters:

·         This is an opportunity to establish a National Park in the bog lands that will be closed

·         100’s of jobs now gone, both fulltime and seasonal, in an area that has seen many factories with good employment over the past forty years,

·         If staff do not accept redundancies, they should be allowed to work out the last five years and contract workers not be brought in.

·         The Collaboration Group set up during the year met this week and there had been no indication of this announcement when the group was set up.

·         No plans have been put in place by Bord na Mona or the ESB. Staff can use the resources of the GRETB to upskill.

·         ESB need to explain their decision and why the Oireachtas members were not made aware of the decision at any stage.

·         There is a need for strategic replacing of the jobs lost

·         The Government is in the process of setting up a Just Transition Commissioner and Fund to deal with such issues but unfortunately action is required much earlier than anticipated due to the unexpected closure of these two power plants.

·         Any proposal should include Offaly and Westmeath County Council and together with Roscommon and Longford, they should work together to secure any funding that is available.

·         There is huge potential for the plants and it is imperative that they are not dismantles until every avenue for their subsequent usage is explored.

·          A scheme must be put in place by the Department responsible for Climate Action in conjunction with the Department of Finance to secure alternative employment for those affected by the closure.

·         Climate Action and Environmental plans are hitting Rural Ireland the most and those without voices are not heard

·         Bord na Mona need to accelerate their programme of rehabilitation works for the bogs to be initiated as soon as possible and the current employees be employed there.

·         The dismantling of the stations is premature

·         The power stations could become the museums of the future

·         A proper plan needs to be put in place regarding the repatriation of the bogs in respect of flora and fauna and the current workers employed as such a facility

·         The ESB previously indicated they would work with farmers to grow willow as an alternative and all of these job losses have undermined this option.

·         Westmeath and Galway should be included with Longford, Roscommon and Offaly in any committee set up.

·         As it has been known for many years that the stations would eventually close, it is disappointing that at least one of these plants could have been used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 175.19