SIPTU has welcomed the An Bord Pleanála decision to grant planning permission to Bord na Móna to maintain the operation of its facility in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and stated that the move should also result in further investment in two other power plants in the midlands. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “The An Bord Pleanála decision announced today (Friday, 23rd December) comes as a great relief to our several hundred members who work at Edenderry Power Ltd and related businesses, and their families. A failure to grant planning permission for the continued operation of the plant would have had a devastating effect on the economy of the midlands. “This decision also has a major impact on the future of other power generation plants in the midlands as it accepts that the hybrid model of creating energy through the use of both peat and biomass, in operation in Edenderry, is in line with environmental protection legislation.” He added: “The ESB and Bord na Móna must embrace this ruling and immediately commence investment in the power stations in Lanesborough, County Roscommon, and West Offaly Power, County Offaly, to bring them into line with this hybrid model. “Today’s decision and this further investment we believe will safeguard up to 2,000 jobs at the plants and in related activities.”
SIPTU says Edenderry decision must herald wider investment in midlands power plants
