Proposed Derrygreenagh Green Energy Park can 'transform' Offaly’s future
Offaly must ensure local communities benefit directly from the renewable energy revolution now taking place across the county
Offaly must ensure local communities benefit directly from the renewable energy revolution now taking place across the county, according to Deputy Tony McCormack, who says the proposed Derrygreenagh Green Energy Park could become one of the biggest economic opportunities for the Midlands in generations.
Speaking this week, the Fianna Fáil TD said Offaly is already making a massive contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy future and must now see that translated into long term employment and investment for local communities.
“Offaly has always powered Ireland,” he said.
“For generations, Bord na Móna and the ESB provided stable jobs and strong communities across places like Shannonbridge, Rhode, Cloghan and Croghan. Families were able to stay living locally, businesses thrived and there was real confidence across the county.”
“We know what happens when good jobs come into rural Ireland. Communities thrive.”
Deputy McCormack said the proposed Derrygreenagh Green Energy Park represents an opportunity to bring that type of economic confidence back to Offaly once again.
“This is much bigger than wind turbines or solar panels,” he said.
“This is about creating a new industrial future for Offaly by linking renewable energy production directly with jobs, industry and foreign direct investment.”
The Fianna Fáil TD has repeatedly raised the issue in the Dáil and in committee discussions in Leinster House, calling for Bord na Móna, EirGrid and IDA Ireland to work together to attract multinational investment into former peatland areas across the Midlands.
He pointed to Offaly’s growing role in renewable energy generation nationally.
“Despite accounting for only around 2% of Ireland’s landmass, Offaly is projected to contribute approximately 11% of Ireland’s renewable energy generation and associated infrastructure capacity,” Deputy McCormack said.
“That is an enormous contribution from one county.”
“In recent Dáil discussions, Offaly was described as becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, particularly when it comes to wind generation.”
Deputy McCormack believes the county now has a unique opportunity to market itself internationally as a renewable powered industrial hub.
“Multinational companies increasingly want guaranteed access to renewable electricity supplies,” he said.
“That is where Offaly can lead.”
“We already have the landbanks through Bord na Móna, we have major renewable generation projects developing, and we have the ability through EirGrid and the IDA to market these locations internationally.”
“Instead of renewable energy simply passing through the county or being wasted when the grid is at full capacity, we should be using that energy to attract investment, industry and jobs directly into Offaly,” Deputy McCormack said.
“We have a huge opportunity here to connect renewable power generation with major industrial development through Bord na Móna, EirGrid and IDA Ireland. That can bring high quality employment back into communities that powered this country for generations.”
Deputy McCormack said the focus must now shift toward ensuring that investment and employment are created locally.
“The people who powered Ireland for decades through peat and electricity generation deserve to benefit directly from the green transition,” he said.
“If we get this right, it could completely transform communities across West and North Offaly.”
He said employment returning to areas historically linked with energy production would have a major social and economic impact throughout the county.
“We’ve seen it before,” he said.
“When Bord na Móna and the ESB were thriving, Offaly thrived alongside them.”
“Communities were stronger, businesses were stronger and there was optimism throughout the county.”
“And maybe,” he added with a smile, “if we get jobs flowing back into Offaly again, we might even start winning All Irelands again too.”
Deputy McCormack said he is continuing to push the project and the wider vision for renewable led industrial development at every opportunity.
“People are probably getting fed up of me banging this drum, but I will keep doing everything in my power to make it happen,” he said.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for Offaly and the Midlands. We cannot afford to miss it.”
Deputy McCormack said the Derrygreenagh Green Energy Park has the potential to become a landmark development not only for Offaly, but for the entire country.
“This can show that rural Ireland can lead the renewable transition while also creating jobs and rebuilding communities,” he said.
“Offaly powered Ireland in the past. Now we have the chance to help power Ireland’s future too.”