The Minister for the Environment expects a feasibility study into the establishment of a green energy hub at the Lough Ree Power station will be complete by the end of the year.
Eamon Ryan was responding to questions from TD Barry Cowen after the ESB tendered for a contractor to demolish the power stations in Shannonbridge, Offaly, and in Lanesboro, Longford, earlier this month.
The Green party leader claimed that following the publication of the Just Transition report last May, a new study, chaired by the ESB and involving local county councils and Department officials will examine developing a green energy hub using current infrastructure at both locations.
It is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks with the report due before the end of the year.
Local representatives have called on the ESB to hold off on any plans to demolish the power stations to allow other possible uses be developed.
Minister Ryan says it is his understanding that the ESB tender does not mean they will be knocked immediately and the feasibility study will be a key guide for the sites' future:
