ESB has completed Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) at the former West Offaly Power site in Shannonbridge. Delivered on behalf of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) and EirGrid, the project forms part of national policy measures to strengthen the security of Ireland's electricity supply.

A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) was created alongside the project to foster stronger engagement with those living close to the site. On Thursday, 2 April, at the Community Hall in Shannonbridge, Avril Wilson of EirGrid and Fionn Griffin of ESB presented funding to local community groups from the Shannonbridge TEG Community Benefit Fund.

Now in its third year, groups to have benefited include Shannonbridge Community Services Group, Shannonbridge Tidy Towns Committee, St. Kieran's Park, Shannonbridge Residents Group, Belmont & District Fishing Club, Shannonbridge Playground Committee, Raghra Christmas Lights, and Bhm Development Group. Their work supports Shannonbridge and neighbouring areas, with several funded projects advancing local sustainability and biodiversity initiatives.

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Avril Wilson, Senior Lead Engagement Specialist, EirGrid, said: "As work has progressed on the development of the Shannonbridge TEG, in conjunction with our partners, the Community Benefit Fund has recognised the important role that the community in Shannonbridge has played in supporting the delivery of this important infrastructure project. I was delighted to recently meet with local groups that have received funding and to hear more about the fantastic initiatives which the fund is contributing to in the area. The fund, and the organisations which it has supported, will leave a positive legacy behind long after the completion of the Shannonbridge TEG project."

Fionn Griffin, ESB's Emergency Generation Manager, said: "ESB has now completed the construction of the temporary emergency generation plant at Shannonbridge and the plant is available to operate if needed by EirGrid. ESB has a longstanding history in Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, dating back to the 1960s and we understand the impact that projects of this scale can have on local communities in Shannonbridge. We are delighted, along with EirGrid, to continue to support local and worthwhile community initiatives and would like to thank the Shannonbridge community for their continued support."