Lanesboro to benefit from €500,000 community dividend

As part of their commitment to the Just Transition programme ESB has announced it will make a 'community dividend' of €500,000 available to the local area.

A statement from ESB confirmed the move on Monday saying: “ESB has agreed to transfer a building on the Lough Ree Power site, known locally as The Tomato Shed, as well as €500k to Longford County Council for the benefit of community organisations around Lanesboro.

“The process is still in the preliminary stages, but it's envisaged that Longford County Council will take the lead in administration of the fund.”

ESB also confirms The Tomato Shed has been earmarked for conversion into a multi-purpose sporting facility hosting local groups including the Lanesboro Triathlon club, the local boxing club and Lanesboro National School among others.

The transfer of the ownership of the building will take place after restoration works are identified and carried out on the roof of the building.

Last Friday Cllr Mark Casey spoke to the Leader about the move: “This is great news for the locality. Lanesboro was ground zero when the shutting down of the power stations took place. We have a lot of issues because of the closures. I have been calling for this type of support since the closure.”

Cllr Casey said the local community will benefit greatly from both the financial and infrastructural resources: “I can see Lough Ree Community Resource playing an important part in supporting community groups to access this funding. The Tomato Shed will be a de facto community hall.”

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Colm Murray spoke of the significance of the announcement: “We are delighted the ESB has moved forward with this fund. As elected representatives we are working to ensure Just Transition plays its part for Longford.”

Tom Moran of the ESB referenced the 'very good relationships' with the local community: “We have gotten great support from the local community over many years here in Lanesboro, without which we would not have been able to operate.

These announcements are in recognition of that and we are happy to support the local community again through these commitments.”

The Just Transition Fund was made available in 2020 to support communities transitioning to a low carbon economy.

This particular funding provision was negotiated specifically for the communities surrounding Lanesboro following the cessation of peat burning activities resulting in the closure of Lough Ree Power Station.

Speaking on behalf of Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Director of Services John Brannigan welcomed the transfer of the “Tomato Shed” to the community, “This will be a huge asset to Lanesboro, and it is a very welcome development.”

In January of 2022 local elected representatives expressed concern at ESB's lack of commitment to supporting Lanesboro under the Just Transition programme.

Following a Midlands Regional Transition Team (MRTT) meeting attended by Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, he pointed out that the ESB couldn’t honour commitments to provide funding and resources.

The stumbling block at the time appeared to be be a decision by Bord na Móna to withdraw as partner in a local Food Hub project.

Details on how local organisations can apply for a part of this new €500,000 fund will be announced in the coming weeks.