The Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council says the local authority will be looking to central government to compensate it for the rates which would have been incoming from Lough Ree power for the next five years.
The power station is to be decommissioned in January after a ruling by An Bord Pleanala that it’s operations are not sustainable or in line with a carbon neutral strategy.
The ESB was the largest rate payer in the county, accounting for 15% of all rates income
Minister of State at the Department of Local Government and Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke has approved 1.2 million euro in funding for the county council in lieu of monies due in 2021.
While acknowledging his work and that of all Oireachtas members Cathoirleach Paul Ross says it’s vital the council is not left behind for the next five years as a direct result of government policy.
