I wish to warn the House that the impending closure of Ferbane power station is of the utmost gravity to all concerned. Such a closure will lead to the loss of between 300 and 350 jobs in the ESB and Bord an Móna, which will affect the entire county of Offaly. The closure cannot, must not and will not be allowed by the people of Offaly. They will fight to ensure this power station is kept open and the £16 million refurbishment work is done.
It is imperative that the Minister intervenes in this matter immediately, speaks to the ESB and directs the company to make a further determined effort to resolve this matter and not to act in such a precipitous manner as to close this station. The House will be aware that the board of the ESB will meet in the middle of October when management will propose the closure of the station. The ESB and the unions must make a further effort to resolve the few remaining difficulties which are preventing this work proceeding.
However, the MSF union must separate theory from hard facts. Mr. Joe Bowers, regional manager of the MSF, stated that talks were expected to continue until April 1999. This investment cannot be allowed to be delayed for that length of time. I call on Mr. Bowers to realise that many peoples' livelihoods hang on the decision to proceed with this investment. Ferbane should be treated on a stand alone basis and ring fenced. I call on the MSF union also to allow the station to be treated as a special case so that work can continue. The outstanding difficulties in other stations should not be allowed to intervene in the difficulties at Ferbane. Council representation in this electoral area has been reduced from five to four and there is considerable unemployment. If that station were to close everyone in the surrounding area would be affected by it. I believe the three MSF workers, the other unions and management would comply with any agreement reached. It is essential that Ferbane power station is saved and I ask the Minister to use her good offices to ensure it is.
The local papers reported this week that the ESB is seeking further job losses and redundancies in Shannon Bridge and Rhode. I am concerned that further job losses are envisaged across County Offaly. Those employed by the ESB and Bord na Móna across the midlands have made many sacrifices. They have suffered enough and should not be asked to suffer more. Those two semi-States bodies have contributed a great deal to County Offaly. I ask the Minister to try to ensure that the future viability of these stations is guaranteed and that there will not be further job losses as threatened during the talks.
I understand the Minister will meet members of Offaly County Council later this week. I thank her for her courtesy in dealing with this matter. I call on her to try to ensure that the Ferbane power station is kept open. I will co-operate with her, the ESB and the MSF in any way I can to try to save those jobs.