Offaly is a leader in renewables — now other counties must step up

As Government prepares to introduce new county-by-county renewable energy targets set at the regional level, Offaly TD Tony McCormack has said the process must be fair and must proportionately reflect the scale of what Offaly has already delivered, while also ensuring the county sees real economic return in job creation and investment.

Under the revised National Planning Framework, regional renewable energy targets will be divided among local authorities, requiring each county to plan for and deliver its allocated share of wind and solar capacity in order to meet Ireland’s 2030 climate goals. The EMRA additional targets are 1,996 MW of wind and 3,294 MW of solar.

However, Deputy McCormack says Offaly is already carrying far more than its share of the national load and that the allocation of new targets must reflect that reality.

“Offaly has led from the front,” he said. “We built renewable energy into our County Development Plan as far back as 2009. We did not wait to be directed. We acted in the national interest.”

Despite accounting for just 2.3 percent of Ireland’s landmass, Offaly’s pipeline of installed wind capacity represents approximately 11% of the national installed target to 2030, while the county’s solar pipeline represents around 14%. In total, the county has around one gigawatt each from wind and solar in development.

This 2GW renewables pipeline, together with a similar pipeline capacity of conventional generation and storage within Offaly, must also be viewed in the context of the fact that 6GW is the maximum demand ever recorded on the national electricity grid.

“That is an enormous contribution from one county,” McCormack said. “We have stepped up for the country. When new targets are being set, Offaly’s allocation must proportionally reflect those facts, with those counties who have yet to carry their share required to contribute accordingly.”

Offaly’s position is rooted in its long history as the heart of Ireland’s energy sector. With Bord na Móna and the ESB historically based in the county, Offaly developed the grid infrastructure that now makes it a natural location for large-scale renewable generation.

“We powered Ireland for generations,” McCormack said. “Now we are powering it again through renewables. That did not happen by accident.”

He warned that if new county targets are applied as though the clock has been reset, without recognising what has already been delivered, counties that have hosted little renewable development to date will effectively be treated the same as those that have already taken on major projects.

“It cannot be a case that everyone starts from the same point,” he said. “Offaly should not be expected to keep taking and delivering more while other counties have done very little so far. It is time for balance. It is time for others to do their fair share.”

Deputy McCormack also stressed that while Offaly is committed to renewable development, it must always be balanced with protecting the county’s unique heritage, landscape and archaeological history.

“Offaly is home to some of Ireland’s most important historic and archaeological sites, including places such as Lemanaghan and Clonmacnoise,” he said. “These are landscapes of immense cultural and historical importance, not just for Offaly but for the entire country. Renewable development must be carefully planned so that it does not disturb or damage these archaeology-rich areas. Our heritage is irreplaceable and must be protected for future generations.”

At the same time, McCormack said Offaly must see clear economic benefits from the scale of renewable development already underway.

“If we are helping to power a significant portion of the country, then we must also see the jobs and enterprise that should follow,” he said. “Access to reliable, carbon-neutral energy is a major attraction for investment and Offaly should be well positioned to benefit from that.”

Deputy McCormack welcomed the recent announcements by AWS in respect of the Bord na Móna Eco Energy Park partnership and the securing by IDA Ireland of 65 acres of land for a new enterprise and business park in Tullamore in partnership with the local authority.

He added that there must be a strong focus on attracting further industry and employment opportunities to the county, particularly given the scale of job losses experienced as the traditional energy sector was wound down.

“With the decarbonisation of the energy sector, Offaly has lost more energy-related jobs than any other county,” he said. “The rationale behind the Just Transition process is that areas that bear the greatest load in advancing Ireland’s climate obligations will receive priority in terms of replacing the employment lost on the journey to 2030.”

“I am very hopeful that we will see positive developments on the jobs front in the near future. There is real potential for Offaly to attract new investment and enterprise because of the infrastructure and renewable capacity that now exists here, and I will continue to work to ensure that the county secures those opportunities.”

He also welcomed the appointment of Brian Flynn to the Just Transition Commission as an important step in ensuring that Offaly’s voice is heard.

“A significant commitment to enterprise creation in Offaly is required to ensure that the burden of achieving our national climate obligations is shared equitably,” he said.

The Programme for Government, incorporating EU directives, has prioritised the development of community-owned renewable generation capacity. With one eighth of its landmass in semi-state ownership, Offaly provides a unique opportunity to deliver on these commitments and ensure communities can participate in the energy generation market on a level playing field.

Deputy McCormack said the principle guiding the new target system should be straightforward.

“Recognise what has already been delivered. Share the responsibility fairly. And ensure the counties leading the way also benefit in terms of jobs and economic growth.”