In December 2020, the west Offaly power station in Shannonbridge closed due to the failure to secure planning for transition to biomass. This left a financial void of €1.7 million per year from a commercial rates perspective. Thankfully the Government stepped in and has supported Offaly County Council ever since. However, that support is due to conclude at the end of 2026. Measures have been taken by Offaly County Council to try to fill the void but right now we need to be able to give certainty to the people of Offaly that there will be no impact on services as a result of this. I ask the Government to engage with officials from Offaly County Council and, rather than having a cliff-edge effect at the end of 2026, to consider a tapered reduction so that we can phase this out and mitigate the impact.

Deputy Clendennen has engaged with me on this matter. He has made the point fairly and forcefully that we should not have a cliff edge with Shannonbridge. We have provided €1.7 million to Offaly County Council over the last number of years and that will be the case this year. I have asked my officials to engage with Offaly County Council and with Longford County Council. Deputy Carrigy has also been in touch on having that tapering. That will occur.