Tuesday, 7 April 2026
ESB has constructed Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) at the former West Offaly Power site. The Shannonbridge TEG project, which has been delivered on behalf of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) and EirGrid, is one of a suite of policy actions geared at bolstering the security of Ireland’s electricity supply.
A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) was established as part of the project with the aim of encouraging stronger interaction and engagement with communities living close to the site. Last Thursday (2 April), Avril Wilson of EirGrid and Fionn Griffin of ESB presented seven local community groups with funding from the Shannonbridge TEG Community Benefit Fund at the Community Hall in Shannonbridge.
The local community groups which have benefited from this fund, which is now in its third year, include Shannonbridge Community Services Group, Shannonbridge Tidy Towns Committee, St. Kieran’s Park, Shannonbridge Residents Group, Belmont & District Fishing Club, Shannonbridge Playground Committee, Raghra Christmas Lights, and Bhm Development Group. The work undertaken by these community groups benefits Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, with a number of supported projects developing local sustainability and biodiversity initiatives.
Avril Wilson, Senior Lead Engagement Specialist, EirGrid, said: “As work has progressed on the development of the Shannonbridge TEG, in conjunction with our partners, the Community Benefit Fund has recognised the important role that the community in Shannonbridge has played in supporting the delivery of this important infrastructure project. I was delighted to recently meet with local groups that have received funding and to hear more about the fantastic initiatives which the fund is contributing to in the area. The fund, and the organisations which it has supported, will leave a positive legacy behind long after the completion of the Shannonbridge TEG project.”
Fionn Griffin, ESB’s Emergency Generation Manager, said: “ESB has now completed the construction of the temporary emergency generation plant at Shannonbridge and the plant is available to operate if needed by EirGrid. ESB has a longstanding history in Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, dating back to the 1960s and we understand the impact that projects of this scale can have on local communities in Shannonbridge. We are delighted, along with EirGrid, to continue to support local and worthwhile community initiatives and would like to thank the Shannonbridge community for their continued support.”
ENDS/