Permission granted to revive forgotten Offaly premises hailed as ‘great asset’

Permission has been granted for enabling works to revive the Dalton Centre in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly.

The building, which is owned by the ESB, was leased to Offaly County Council following the decommissioning of the west Offaly Power Station, which shut down in 2020.

The council says it is now looking to repurpose the building and lease it out to a local enterprise which supports the development of the green, low carbon or circular economy.

Enabling works will include the provision of roadways, paths, car and bicycle parking, the replacement of boundary fencing, the provision of public lighting, water treatment system and ancillary works.

The project is set to cost the council approximately €500,000, with matching funding being provided through the European Just Transition Fund.

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Director of Services Ann Dillon gave a presentation on the development at the October plenary meeting of Offaly County Council.

Ms Dillon said: “The proposal was on display for six weeks between August and early October. No submissions or observations were received. The proposal is sub-threshold for environmental impact assessment and has been screened for appropriate assessment.

“We’re seeking the members approval to proceed with the development and we’ll look for a proposer and seconder.”

Fine Gael councillor Hugh Egan expressed his support for the project, describing the building as “a great asset”.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor Peter Ormond commended the council’s commitment to supporting the circular economy and hailed the project as an “important development for the area”.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Leahy, agreed with his fellow councillors, saying: “I think it’s a great initiative and it just shows you what can be achieved with just transition funding.”

The councillors subsequently voted to proceed with the development.

Last year, Offaly County Council invited Expressions of Interest for the reuse on a long-term leased basis of the Dalton Centre.

A council spokesperson said: “Applicants must be committed to the objectives of the fund in terms of economic diversification and enterprise which supports the development of the green, low carbon or circular economy.

“Applicants across the full enterprise spectrum showing innovation in their use of low carbon, digital practices will be positively considered.”

They added that the building represented an “extremely attractive opportunity”, given its proximity to Ballinasloe and Athlone.

Although the deadline for submissions passed in September 2024, it is not yet clear who the council will award the lease to.