Claim that 1,443 jobs could be lost if power plant shuts

Almost 1,500 jobs in the Midlands could be threatened, if Bord na Móna fails to secure an extension of planning permission for a large power plant near Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The company has said it will close the peat-powered station, at Clonbullogue, if it does not receive a favourable outcome to challenges to the continuing operation of the plant. The closure would result in the direct loss of 45 jobs.

However, briefing notes for the new Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten, show that the true impact on employment in the region could be greater, as closure of the Edenderry plant could undermine similar peat stations operated by the ESB, at Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, and at Lanesboro, Co Longford.