A new €500,000 community fund for Lanesboro is a good start towards repairing the damage caused by the closure of the power station.
That's according to Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Colm Murray, following the announcement of the half a million euro commuinity dividend from the ESB.
The town has been selected to benefit from the Just Transition programme funding, with the council also to receive ownership of the a building on the site of the former Lough Ree Power Plant.
The EU Just Transition Fund is an initiative designed to help communities manage the negative impacts from the transition away from fossil fuel-intensive industries.
The Lough Ree Power Station on the edge of the town was shut in 2020, with many locals describing a severe economic fallout from closure.
According to the local authority, the building, known as 'the Tomato shed' will be converted into a multi-purpose sporting facility hosting local groups.
Councillor Murray says that while further investment is needed in the region, it's a step in the right direction:
