The High Courts decision to support an application from An Taisce to stop the extended operation of Edenderry peat-powered power plant has been welcomed by the Green Party.

Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said the Government has made a shameful decision to extend the life of peat fired power stations for the next fifteen years.

He said: "That approach will make us one of the worst offenders when it comes to tackling climate change. It will also cost the Irish public some €1.5 billion in subsidies. This is the most expensive form of electricity available to us. Burning peat is costing every household at least €70 a year, whether we like it or not.

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"The High Court has put a stay on its order until April which means it will be up to the next Government to finally decide what to do. We need a proper debate about our energy future in the run up to the General Election. The choice is between adopting a green plan based on promoting renewables and efficiency or else trying to burn our way into the future.

"The workers in the plant affected will now be concerned about their future prospects. We believe there is a huge opportunity to better secure their jobs by turning Bord Na Mona into a leading 'low carbon' energy company. We already have excess generating capacity in the Republic to more than meet our needs."

(CD/LM)