Offaly ‘must see the economic benefits' of renewable energy, Dáil hears
Kevin O'Neill
Offaly is playing a significant role in Ireland's renewable energy production but the county has not yet seen the full economic benefits this should bring, the Dáil was told this week.
Deputy Tony McCormack raised the subject with Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Tuesday, saying that with Offaly's growing contribution to Ireland's energy supply the time has come for the country to also deliver for the Faithful County.
In response, the Taoiseach described Offaly as a "powerhouse" and signalled that it's time to build a new economy for the region.
He also pointed to the role IDA Ireland, supported by the Border, Midlands and Western regional framework, could play in facilitating future enterprise and job creation.
Deputy McCormack said the central role his county is playing in Ireland’s climate and energy strategy has Offaly poised to become one of the country's most important renewable energy hubs, but he warned that local communities must not be overlooked.
"Offaly is making a very significant national contribution, and it is essential that the communities driving this transition are supported to share in the prosperity it can bring," said Deputy McCormack.
"At a time when international investors and multinational employers are looking for cost-effective, sustainable energy, Offaly is uniquely positioned. With the right infrastructure and strategic backing, we can attract major enterprise and secure long-term employment for our communities," he added.
Deputy McCormack said that, despite accounting for just two per cent of the national landmass, the county is on course to provide approximately 11 per cent of the energy needed to power the country through wind and solar generation.
He further pointed out that, with Ireland’s peak electricity demand standing at roughly six gigawatts, Offaly is expected to have the capacity to deliver as much as 30 per cent of national grid requirements at peak times.
He asked the Taoiseach to confirm the Government would match Offaly’s national contribution with "full support for the infrastructure and investment required to capture those economic opportunities," to which the Taoiseach said "it is time to build a new economy for the region".
Deputy McCormack welcomed the acknowledgement but stressed that delivery must now follow. "I have been talking about this for a long time," he said.
"Offaly stands to benefit greatly from transformative employment, and the scale of opportunity in front of us cannot be overstated. This has the potential to be the biggest economic development in the county since Bord na Móna and the ESB first established operations here. If we get this right, it will shape Offaly for generations."
He added that investment must now be visible across key areas including grid capacity, serviced land, transport links, housing, and skills development.
"Strategic Government support will determine whether Offaly simply generates power, or truly benefits from it," he said. "Offaly has embraced change before, and our communities stand ready to lead again, but this must be a partnership."
In a lighter remark reflecting the sense of optimism such investment could bring, he added, "Who knows, with the jobs and growth that could follow, we might even start winning All-Irelands again!"
Deputy McCormack said that if the opportunity is fully realised, the county could become a national example of how climate ambition and regional economic development can progress together.
"The prize is not just cleaner energy. It is stronger communities, sustainable jobs, and a more balanced national economy. Offaly is ready to deliver for Ireland. Now Ireland must deliver for Offaly," the Fianna Fáil TD said.