Wood-burning energy plant proposed
AN €85 million green energy plant proposed for Shannon-and for which a Limerick location had been ruled out-has the potential to support thousands of jobs in the region, should it get the go ahead.
Carbon Sole Energy has been looking at various locations on the west coast as a site for a wood burning, energy generating plant.
Limerick was seriously considered, only to be ruled out as the company wanted a location where industry was concentrated in one specific area.
Shannon was deemed the most favoured location due to Clare County Council’s comprehensive county development plan which promotes renewable and green energy, and because of the town’s grid-like layout with potential for supply from the surrounding areas.
Mayo born Sean Daly, chief executive of Carbon Sole, met with Shannon area councillors and provided a detailed presentation.
Senator Tony Mulcahy, Seanad spokesman on Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, said the potential to support and create jobs in the region would be immense should the company come to Shannon.
“I saw the plans for the first time 15 months ago”, he told the Limerick Post.
“The company would provide the potential for hundreds of forestry farmers to supply wood to the plant.
“There would also be the potential for hundreds more support industries already in the industrial estate, and to bring others here”.
However, Senator Mulcahy, said that a drawback was that the company had yet to get approval for connection to the grid from the energy regulator.
It also has to go through a full planning and consultation process.
Cllr Sean McLoughlin, told the Limerick Post that what he had heard of the company had been very positive, but that the council did not have the authority to grant planning.
“It has to go to through the planning process, we’re not interfering but we were given a very comprehensive plan that looked like it would be a very positive thing for the region.
“It would supply cheaper electricity and heat for the industry which would be a further incentive for companies to locate here”.
Upwards of 150 jobs would be available, with 200 more on construction.
The decision on rezoning the proposed site, near Aerospace in Stonehall, as industrial, will be made by Shannon Town Council next Tuesday.
However, Senator Mulcahy explained that residents of Stonehall are against it as they feel it will have a negative impact on their homes.
“My heart goes out to them, as there will be an impact with the size of the facility and trucks coming and going, but rumours that it will be a waste burning plant are untrue.
“It’s a clean industry and this is something we need to do to sustain Shannon and keep people in the region”.
If all processes are successful it is estimated the plant will open within five years.
