Longford public meeting on job creation and future use of Lough Ree Power Station in Lanesboro
Communities of Lanesboro, Longford and Ballyleague, Roscommon ‘lost more than 800 jobs in recent years, and local residents rightly want to see every opportunity explored before the former Lough Ree Power Station is demolished’
Local residents, businesses, community organisations and public representatives are being urged to attend a major public meeting to discuss the future of the former Lough Ree Power Station in Lanesboro and its potential to become a key driver of employment and economic regeneration across the Midlands.
Hosted by MEP Ciaran Mullooly, the public meeting will take place in St Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on Monday, July 20 at 8pm and will focus on preserving the existing power station infrastructure and exploring viable proposals that could transform the site into a centre for new enterprise and long-term employment.
The ESB's Lough Ree Power Station, constructed at a cost of more than €200 million and officially opened in 2005, ceased operations in December 2020 despite having been built with an expected operational lifespan of more than 25 years.
While planning permission exists for its demolition, growing interest has emerged from companies seeking to repurpose the facility for new industrial and commercial projects.
MEP Mullooly said locals ‘rightly want to see every opportunity explored before this valuable national asset is demolished’. He pointed out that “one company expected to attend the meeting has indicated that it could create more than 100 direct jobs within the next five years, along with significant indirect employment opportunities."
He added, “This company has a proven track record in growing employment and in fact the project has already received backing from Enterprise Ireland, with funding secured towards the planning process.”
While organising the meeting Mr Mullooly spoke of communities of Lanesboro and Ballyleague having “lost more than 800 jobs in recent years, and local residents rightly want to see every opportunity explored before this valuable national asset is demolished. We have existing infrastructure, an excellent location and genuine investor interest. This public meeting is about bringing everyone together to examine the options and to ensure local voices are heard."
Mr Mullooly recently raised the issue in the European Parliament, where a report he proposed received overwhelming support. The report calls on governments to make state and semi-state lands and assets available to support replacement employment as part of the EU's Just Transition commitments.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear directly from those proposing new investment for the site, ask questions, and contribute ideas on securing sustainable employment for the Longford-Roscommon region.
Invitations have also been extended to TDs, Senators and local councillors from across the region to participate in what is expected to be an important discussion on the future of one of the Midlands' most significant industrial sites.
Everyone with an interest in the future of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and the wider Midlands is encouraged to attend.