Offaly and the wider midlands have powered this nation for generations, first through peat and now through renewables. We have led from the front but today we face a critical turning point in our energy and economic future. Midlands just transition was meant to ensure that no community was left behind in the move to a climate-neutral economy but for many in Offaly it has felt like a promise made but certainly not kept. With almost 700 job losses, we have lost more jobs in the energy transition than any other county and the promised replacement of jobs is yet to arrive in any meaningful manner. We have seen plans, strategies and frameworks but what we have not seen are payslips, tangible employment and tangible momentum on the ground.
Yet, we remain determined. There are positive signs with State-funded projects such as the EU LIFE Peatlands and People initiative, the Clonmacnoise visitor centre redevelopment, the refurbishment of Fiesta Hall renewables centre in Kilcormac, the enhancement of Lough Oulra trails and cultural initiatives like Film Offaly, to name but a few. However, let us be clear: these projects must match the scale of disruption Offaly has endured. So far, they simply do not.
Even so, Offaly has pushed ahead. While the just transition has faltered, we forged ahead with renewable energy. Ireland has made impressive goals in onshore wind, double the EU average, and Offaly has punched well above its weight. With just 2% of Ireland’s landmass and population we have delivered up to 7% of national wind energy output in recent months with over 1.5 GW of wind and solar projects are permitted or near permitted and with nearly 600 MW of battery storage already in place. That success was not luck. It was strong local leadership, ambitious planning and community buy-in. We stepped up to the mark when we needed to most. Now, under article 15b of the EU renewable energy directive, the Government must publish maps identifying future renewable zones and grid infrastructure in only a matter of weeks, by 21 May. This is both a moment of opportunity and major threat. One might ask: what is the danger? A bureaucratic reset that treats all counties equally, ignoring heavy lifting already done by early movers like Offaly, cannot be let happen.
I urge the Taoiseach that we start this mapping process by recognising reality and by mapping all existing and permitted renewable energy sites and follow that by clearly identifying areas of future potential. This is not only fair; it is essential. We need to reward progress, protect ambition and honour leadership. I ask the Taoiseach to give that commitment here today.
