Power plant could provide Offaly with jobs boost

Over 400 new jobs could be created during the construction phase of a brand new gas-fired power station at Derrygreenagh, Rhode. The jobs news emerged this week, as the project moved one step closer to reality after the application was submitted to An Bord Pleanala for consideration. The plant, which could sustain over 60 permanent jobs when it comes in to operation is earmarked for an area just inside the Offaly border close to the M6 and Rochfortbridge, and would consist of two gas turbine units, one 430 megawatts and a reserve 170 megawatts unit. Due to the size of the project the power stations have bypassed the local planning process going straight into An Bord Pleanala under the Strategic Infrastructure Development process, a mechanism introduced by the Government some time ago to fastrack major projects. 'The station would be a most welcome development for the area,' according to local Fianna Fail Councillor Noel Bourke. A decision is due from An Bord Pleanala in August .