Carlow councillors yesterday heard plans for what’s been described as one of the most significant renewable energy projects ever outlined for our locality.
They were briefed on proposals for a €2bn Rathrush Green Energy Park close to Rathoe by Net Zero Energy which aims to employ 1,500 people for the construction phase with 70 long-term jobs on completion.
The project, for which planning has not yet been granted, would use surplus wind and solar energy to generate green hydrogen which would be stored in deep underground caverns before being converted into electricity.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the lack of public consultation, some hearing of it for the first time as leaflets were dropped through letterboxes yesterday, but Net Zero Energy CEO Peter Harte told KCLR News that his company will fully engage with the local community.
While Carlow County Council Chief Executive Coilin O’Reilly said the local authority is still getting to grips with the extent of the project.
Stay tuned for more on The KCLR Daily (10am-1pm) or click back here later for the full interviews from both men with KCLR News’ Dermot Keyes and Martin Quilty.
