€350m gas power plant planned for site near Ferbane

An energy consortium this week issued a public notice outlining its intention to develop a €350m power plant which it said would create 500 jobs during the construction phase of the proejct at the site of the former ESB milled peat-fired power plant in Lumcloon, near Ferbane. The former ESB plant at the site, which is eight kilometres from Ferbane, was demolished in 2002. Now Lumcloon Energy Ltd - the consortium of mechanical engineering firm R&R Mechanical Ltd and engineering and power development company Terotech Ltd - has stated its intention to construct the independent power plant and a research and development centre for a new air cooled condenser at the site. The consortium said that it 'expects to have financial closure on this project with an estimated investment of €350 million by mid 2009.' It added that companies such as Alstom Power SA, GE Energy, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Turbomach SA/Solar Turbines Inc had expressed an interest in the project, and said the development would bring significant benefits to the local economy. 'The project will make a major contribution to the region through foreign direct investment, new employment and annual rates to local authorities. During the two year construction phase the project will provide a boost to the local economy,' the company stated. It predicted that 'at least 500 new jobs will be created,' and said steel, concrete and building materials would be sourced locally. It suggested that the project would have knock-on benefits for local accommodation lettings, B&Bs, shops, pubs and restaurants. 'When the plant is in operation: 30 high-end jobs will be created at the Lumcloon Power Plant; 60 high-end jobs will be created in the research and development Centre for a new air cooled condenser; the derelict site will be redeveloped into a state-of-the-art power plant; and local subcontractors will be required,' Lumcloon Energy Ltd said. It also stated that Lumcloon would be approved for connection to the Bord Gais National Network. The consortium indicated its intention to hold information evenings in Lumcloon and Ferbane in relation to the project. An Environmental Impact Assessment and a full set of plans will also be available for public consultation, it stated.