Rhode Energy Park can generate jobs - Hackett

Rhode Green Energy Park has the potential to become a national centre of learning, create new jobs, and reinvigorate towns and villages according to Green Party Cllr Mark Hackett.

“Offaly has an energy generation heritage based on unsustainable fossil fuels and most of us accept that we must move to cleaner, renewable energy such as wind and solar,” he said following a conference sponsored by Offaly County Council on Hydrogen last week

“I was interested to hear about the collaborative study into a demonstration green hydrogen hub in Rhode which can be replicated in other parts of Ireland.”

This week Cllr Mark Hackett and Minister of State, Pippa Hackett both welcomed the work of those, including Offaly County Council and Bord na Mona, who are ensuring that Offaly is leading the charge on renewable energy generation.

“Why am I excited about this?” said Cllr. Hackett. “Well, firstly I am a consumer of energy and we want to ensure that our energy is sourced from renewables which are not contributing unnecessarily to greenhouse gases yet are reliable, affordable and secure.

“But secondly, and importantly for Offaly, the energy transition is already creating skilled jobs which will build sustainable communities to revitalise our towns and villages.

The hydrogen conference heard the suggestion that reverse commuting to Rhode from West Dublin may even be possible.

“Rhode Green Energy Park is an important cog in the energy transition,” said Cllr. Hackett. “There are real opportunities for our children to make lives for themselves in Offaly.”