Funding of €3 million has put been forward to support the transition to a low carbon economy in Counties Longford and Offaly.

This investment will help ease the serious ongoing impact of the closure of peat fired power plants in 2020. In 2019, Lanesboro/Lough Ree Power Station accounted for approximately 16% of the rates receipts for Longford County Council, and Shannonbridge/West Offaly Power Station approximately 20% of the rates receipts of Offaly County Council.

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Longford County Council will receive €1.3m and €1.7m will be provided to Offaly County Council. 

Announcing the funding, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, said: "Just Transition is integral to the Government's Climate Action Plan, and we are committed to supporting those communities who are transitioning to a low carbon economy. 

"It is recognised that these power plants made a significant contribution to the rates income of Longford and Offaly County Councils, and the serious impact their closure has had on both counties. The Government is committed to providing some funding certainty at this time, and the allocation is to provide support and mitigate the losses in these local economies."