Locals switch sides in power station dispute

The ESB's plans to build new power stations at Lanesboro, Co Longford, and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, is an issue that's "hotting…

The ESB's plans to build new power stations at Lanesboro, Co Longford, and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, is an issue that's "hotting up".

As Green Party MEP Ms Patricia McKenna this week criticised the Government for failing to respect the Kyoto Protocol by allowing the ESB to build two peat power stations, it emerged that some of those who originally objected to the Lanesboro plan are now supporting it.

An Bord Pleanala has received a petition from people who support the construction of the plant on the basis that it will create jobs in the Longford area. The existing power plant in Lanesboro will close at the end of 2005. A petition was circulated which made a number of points in support of the new plant, including its potential for job creation and a claim that emissions from the facility would be much lower than from the existing one.

The ESB prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of its planning application to Longford County Council and claims the new plant will use fluidised bed and modern turbine technology to reduce significantly the impact on the environment.

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The existing plant at Lanesboro has a generating capacity of 85 megawatts from two units, constructed in 1966 and 1983. The ESB says these are becoming "increasingly uncompetitive" in the deregulated market and would have difficulty meeting future environmental standards.

An Bord Pleanala confirmed that, as well as two formal appeals against the granting of planning permission, it has received an "observation" document in the form of a petition.

Appeals stand in the name of a Mr James Mulhern and the Friends of the Irish Environment, represented by Mr Tony Lowes and others.

Some of those who are named in the Friends of the Irish Environment appeal have written to the board to say they wish to dissociate themselves from that appeal and they now support the power station plan. Mr Lowes still opposes it, according to the appeals board. Those supporting it have included their names on the petition.

It is understood that An Taisce, which has objected to the Shannonbridge plant, is planning to lodge an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the Lanesboro plant.

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