Minister to visit Moneypoint

THE Minister for Communications and the Environment, Denis Naughten, will visit the ESB Moneypoint powerstation on Wednesday next.
Clare TD Michael Harty, who has arranged the visit, said it is an important one, as the future of Moneypoint is uncertain.

“This is a very important visit as the programme for a partnership government has outlined that in anticipation of Moneypoint coming to the end of its operating life in its current configuration, the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources will identify, as soon as possible, the most suitable replacement low carbon generation technology,” Dr Harty said.
“To achieve this ambitious goal, all State bodies will need to engage positively with local communities to manage the transition to a low carbon future. The partnership government has committed to develop a low carbon transition and mitigation plan, within six months, which will examine specific measures to reduce emissions in electricity generation and will outline how new technologies can be ready for incorporation into Ireland’s electricity system.”

Deputy Harty stressed the significance of Moneypoint in continuing to employ people in an area that is short of employment-creation opportunities.

“Moneypoint power station is very important part of the electricity generating infrastructure in Ireland. Moneypoint also sustains 400 jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the West Clare area, which has suffered substantial job losses over the years. Thus it is important that Moneypoint continues to be an integral part of electricity provision nationally and continues to sustain employment in Clare, while adapting to a low carbon energy provision. It timely that Minister Naughten visits Moneypoint to inform himself at first-hand, review and discuss how the powerstation can adapt to comply with Ireland’s international commitments to transition to a low carbon society by 2050.”