Local Communities benefit from the West Offaly Community Fund

ESB has a long relationship with the Midlands Region, from the older peat burning stations, through to our two modern peat stations at West Offaly Power in Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly and Lough Ree Power in Lanesboro, Co. Longford.

Back in 2001, ESB worked closely with local representatives to establish the West Offaly Enterprise Fund, which was set up to support local enterprise development following the closure of Ferbane Power Station. Administered by the Offaly County Council Enterprise Office and the Board of the Fund, which was made up of local elected representatives, Offaly County Council Executive Members, Offaly Local Development CEO, and representatives from ESB & Bord na Mona.

Pat Naughton ESB, Anna Marie Delaney,Chief Executive Offaly Co Council; Kieran Keenaghan, a beneficiary of the Fund, and Chairman of the fund Eamon Dooley. Photo – Tony Parkes (NRF)

Over the years, the West Offaly Enterprise Fund has supported enterprise development in the region, from industries in the building and construction sector to printing and food production. Companies like The Food Campus, located in the Business and Technology Park in Ferbane, is an example of one these initiatives which was made possible by the support of the West Offaly Enterprise Fund.

As the Fund now winds down, ESB would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Board for their commitment over the last 14 years. Pat Naughton, ESB Executive Director, Group People and Sustainability said: “The Board have helped ensure that, through a number of very worthwhile initiatives, enterprise development has been supported in a fitting manner across the Midlands.”