Major bee centre plan revealed for Offaly
Plans for a major bee centre in Offaly have been given a major boost with backing from energy storage pioneers, Tullamore-based Lumcloon Energy. Lumcloon Energy and their partner Hanwha Energy, have announced that they will support the newly established Irish Bee Foundation (IBF) in realising their ambition to develop a state-of-the-art research, education, and visitor centre in Lumcloon.
The IBF, in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations (FIBKA), has praised the generous support of Lumcloon Energy, who have provided the site for the Centre of Excellence.
National head offices for the IBF will be included in this development. The grounds will incorporate training apiaries and auxiliary amenities to facilitate education and public awareness programmes undertaken within the foundation's centre of excellence.
Nigel Reams, Managing Director of Lumcloon Energy said "Our primary focus is enhancing the resilience of the electricity system as it decarbonises and transitions to renewables. We are delighted to contribute to this initiative by the FIBKA, the results of which will support pollination and the security of our food supply.:
Seungbin Park of Hanwha Energy Corporation Ireland added: “The population of bees has been rapidly declining in recent years due to climate change and other factors. We support this Centre of Excellence as it will help to increase the bee population and encourage pollination, which supports the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants that absorb carbon.”
Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said “I was delighted to introduce FIBKA to Lumcloon Energy and welcome their generous support for this ambitious proposal. The Centre of Excellence will enable important research and education and will complement the very popular Lough Boora Parklands nearby. I am hopeful that it will yield positive results and reduce the threat of extinction to our native bee species and ultimately bring environmental and economic benefits.”
Paul O’Brien, Irish Bee Foundation remarked: “We are delighted with this support shown by the local community.”
Separately, Lumcloon Energy Ltd has announced it is entering a joint venture with a UK firm to build a new 275MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power plant just off the M6 near Rochfortbridge. Construction is anticipated to start next year.
Planning approval has been granted for the plant, which is intended to help facilitate Ireland’s energy transition by enhancing security of supply during peak energy demand. It will act as a back up to renewable energy and will operate when wind output is low.
UK-based VPI Holding Ltd (VPI) will take a 51 per cent share in the project, which has already successfully bid for 10-year capacity contract through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities T-3 auction.