Head ESB officials are to meet Independent TD, Dr. Michael Harty to discuss the future of Moneypoint.
It is expected the meeting will take place next week and the Clare TD outlined his purpose in seeking the meeting with ESB CEO, Pat O’Doherty was to discover “what plans the ESB has for the future of the plant after 2025 when coal burning electricity generation must cease”.
A senior manager from the ESB Generation and Trading Directorate in Dublin will attend the meeting as will Seán Hegarty, Moneypoint Station Manager.
“I have made numerous efforts to discover what options the ESB is considering but even the Minister responsible for Energy Richard Bruton doesn’t seem to know or if he does, he is not sharing it with the Dáil or with people of West Clare. I am glad that ESB CEO Pat O’Doherty has agreed to this briefing and I hope it will produce more information than has been available to date,” Harty told The Clare Echo.
O’Doherty has been advised that the key issues Harty wants to discuss are threats to the permanent workforce in the near future, employment opportunities for contractors and future plans as 2025 and the ceasing of coal burning nears.
“I am sure ESB senior management is acutely aware of local worries for employment and the economy. Failure to provide meaningful information to a TD who lives close to the power station would send out all the wrong signals and would suggest that all is not well. I am hopeful the ESB will be straightforward and upfront,” the Kilmihil resident added.
