Clear plan outlined to bring major multinationals and jobs to peatland areas of Offaly

A clear and ambitious plan to bring major multinational employers directly into the heart of Offaly’s peatland regions has emerged following an exchange involving local TD Tony McCormack at the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery in Leinster House.

During the committee meeting, Deputy McCormack questioned representatives from Bord na Móna, EirGrid and IDA Ireland about a coordinated approach that would see large-scale industrial facilities built directly beside existing wind turbine parks on former peatlands in areas such as North and West Offaly.

The proposal is straightforward but transformative, a statement from Deputy McCormack stressed.

Under the model outlined by Deputy McCormack, Bord na Móna would develop and build modern industrial facilities on suitable peatland sites where large wind farms already exist. EirGrid would connect these facilities directly to the nearby wind turbines, providing a stable supply of locally generated, renewable and virtually carbon-neutral electricity. IDA Ireland would then market these sites to foreign direct investment (FDI) companies and large multinationals, many of whom are actively seeking renewable and energy-efficient locations.

Representatives from IDA Ireland confirmed during the meeting that major multinational companies are increasingly attracted to locations that can offer renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of their sustainability commitments — placing Offaly in a highly competitive position.

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Offaly is now one of the top three counties in Ireland for renewable energy production, driven primarily by extensive wind generation and growing solar infrastructure. Crucially, many of these wind turbine parks are located on former peatlands, the same areas that were once the backbone of employment for Bord na Móna and the ESB, particularly in areas such as North and West Offaly.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy McCormack said these locations are the ideal fit for the next chapter of Offaly’s economic development.

“These facilities would be built right beside the wind turbine parks. The energy would be locally produced, renewable, virtually carbon neutral and cost effective — exactly what large multinationals are now looking for.”

He stressed that the proposal directly addresses the communities most affected by the transition away from peat.

“The perfect locations in Offaly are the peatlands where large numbers of wind turbines already exist. These happen to be the same areas where Bord na Móna and the ESB once employed large numbers of people, particularly in areas such as North and West Offaly.”

Deputy McCormack said the employment impact would be significant and long-lasting.

“It will mean the youth of our county will have diverse employment opportunities in Offaly and will give them real reasons to build their futures here rather than having to look elsewhere for work.”

He also highlighted the wider community benefits.

“It will be massive for the local economy, and for local sporting and community clubs all over Offaly.”

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Drawing a parallel with the historic arrival of state energy companies in the Midlands, Deputy McCormack said this proposal could define the county’s future for generations.

“I believe this will happen and I will work every day to make it happen. It will be the biggest thing to happen in Offaly since the ESB power stations and Bord na Móna first came here — and we all know the benefits they brought.”

When asked whether the idea might be considered overly ambitious, he responded:

“Like anything that starts as an idea, first they say it won’t happen. Next they say maybe it could happen, and then they say it was their idea all along.”

Deputy McCormack said the exchange at the committee was particularly positive due to the collaborative and open approach shown by all three organisations involved. He paid credit to Bord na Móna, EirGrid and IDA Ireland for their willingness to discuss the project openly and constructively at this early stage. He also noted that all three organisations spoke positively about Offaly County Council, highlighting the strong working relationships already in place. Deputy McCormack said this level of cooperation between national agencies and local government bodes extremely well for the delivery of what could be a landmark project for Offaly and the wider Midlands.