Local groups benefit from Shannonbridge Temporary Emergency Generation Community Fund

ESB has installed Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) at the former West Offaly Power site.

The Shannonbridge TEG project, developed on behalf of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Department of Energy, Climate and Communications (DECC) and EirGrid, is one of a number of plans geared at enhancing the security of Ireland’s electricity supply.

A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) was established as part of the project with the aim of encouraging stronger interaction and engagement with communities living close to the site.

On Wednesday (February 19), Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, and Fionn Griffin, ESB’s Emergency Generation Manager, presented six local community groups with funding at the Community Hall in Shannonbridge.

The local community groups which have benefited from this fund include Shannonbridge Meals on Wheels, Raghra Christmas Lights, St. Kieran’s Park Residential Group, Banagher Development Group, St. Ciaran’s Development Group Clonfanlough, and the Belmont Men’s Shed. The work undertaken by these community groups benefits Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, with a number of the supported projects developing local sustainability and biodiversity initiatives.

Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement, EirGrid, said: “Through the cooperation and support of communities in Shannonbridge, we, along with our partners are working to deliver this Temporary Emergency Generation to ensure a reliable supply of electricity into the future. It is fantastic to see funding covering an array of positive initiatives in the area, transforming living spaces, enabling more sustainable community amenities, and overall enhancing the well-being of people in the area on an annual basis through this fund.”

Fionn Griffin, ESB’s Emergency Generation Manager, said: “ESB has a longstanding history in Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, dating back to the 1960s. We are delighted, along with EirGrid, to continue to support local and worthwhile initiatives in the Shannonbridge community. This award of funding to local initiatives is consistent with our values and obligation to act as a good neighbour and partner during the delivery and operation of major infrastructure projects. We, at ESB, would like to thank the Shannonbridge community for their continued support.”