1788. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his Departments support for the continuation of the rates subvention paid to Offaly County Council on foot of the closure of the Shannonbridge power station beyond 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61167/26]

My Department recognises the significant impact on the commercial rates base of both Offaly and Longford County Councils by the earlier than planned closure of Shannonbridge and Lanesboro power plants.

Since 2021, funding has been provided to both authorities to offset the loss of commercial rates associated with the closure of the stations. Offaly County Council has received €1.7m per annum since 2021, and this support will continue in 2026. The purpose of this interim funding is to mitigate the impact of the loss of rates income resulting from the earlier-than-anticipated closure of the power plants, and to provide local authorities with an appropriate adjustment period, consistent with the recommendations of the Just Transition Commissioner.

The potential impact of a sudden withdrawal of this support on the affected local authorities is recognised. In this regard, my Department has engaged with both local authorities in recent months. In the context of the forthcoming Estimates process, my Department will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the position beyond 2026. This is with a view to a reasonable wind down of the support, in a manner cognisant of the impact on local authority resources and service provision.