“We built renewable energy into our County Development Plan as far back as 2009. “That is an enormous contribution from one county,” McCormack said. With Bord na Móna and the ESB historically based in the county, Offaly developed the grid infrastructure that now makes it a natural location for large-scale renewable generation. “Offaly should not be expected to keep taking and delivering more while other counties have done very little so far. Renewable development must be carefully planned so that it does not disturb or damage these archaeology-rich areas.

Source: Irish Independent March 12, 2026 01:09 UTC