In December 2020, the west Offaly power station in Shannonbridge closed due to the failure to secure planning for transition to biomass. This left a financial void of €1.7 million per year from a commercial rates perspective. Thankfully the Government stepped in and has supported Offaly County Council ever since. However, that support is due to conclude at the end of 2026. Measures have been taken by Offaly County Council to try to fill the void but right now we need to be able to give certainty to the people of Offaly that there will be no impact on services as a result of this. I ask the Government to engage with officials from Offaly County Council and, rather than having a cliff-edge effect at the end of 2026, to consider a tapered reduction so that we can phase this out and mitigate the impact.

Sentiment score: 0.18