Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD is calling for the establishment of an “appropriate institution” to assist West Clare in the move away from fossil-fuel burning.
Timmy Dooley has called on the newly appointed Just Transition Commissioner, who will oversee the transition in the Midlands, to also raise the issue of Moneypoint with the ESB.
The Oireachtas Joint Committe on Climate Action met yesteday to resume it’s discussion on plans for the Midlands, where it’s feared there will be a negative impact on the economy, following the closure of ESB Power Stations.
Among those to attend was the Just Transition Commissioner, Kieran Mulvey, who was recently appointed to oversee discussions with stakeholders and deliver opportunities for those directly affected.
But despite assurances from the government that a similar scheme could be looked at For West Clare, no such initiative has been announced in relation to Moneypoint, which will cease coal burning operations by 2025 and has already seen 100 workers leave their roles.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Timmy Dooley has told the committee, that Commissioner’s role needs to be expanded, to make allowances for West Clare.
In response, the Commissioner suggested that facilities like West Clare’s Moneypoint could be used to house the likes of a call centre.
While admitting it’s a matter that hasn’t been raised with the ESB yet, Kieran Mulvey believes it would be a shame to see the ESB’s existing facilities go to waste.
