SSE’s Great Island natural gas CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) plant currently under construction is delivering a real economic power boost to the South East.
The €331m project, which will become operational in late 2014 and will significantly decarbonise electricity generation in Ireland, is making an important economic contribution, not just nationally but also importantly locally.
Peter Gavican, SSE’s Project Manager for the Great Island CCGT Project, said:
“Through indirect investment SSE is significantly supporting local services and businesses during the project construction phase. This is in addition to the ongoing support of the local business community from the existing operational power plant.
“Currently around 600 workers are on site daily and employed on the construction of the new CCGT plant at Great Island, around 70% of whom live locally in Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. In addition to the major economic stimulus and local direct jobs, SSE’s investment is making an important contribution to businesses such as hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops in the region.”
Speaking recently to the New Ross Standard newspaper, Brandon House Hotel Manager Bettie Marie Burger-Smit said: “There has been a great economic benefit to the area from the Great Island power plant being constructed. We have directly benefited at the hotel and we know from talking to contractors and suppliers that they have benefited also.”
Ms Burger-Smit said employees at the plant under construction have been staying on a long term basis at the hotel, as well as other accommodations and rental properties within a 20 mile radius of the plant.
“One family who used to work in England returned as some of them got work at Great Island. It’s very positive and the gas line is coming which will bring untold positive benefits to the county.”rea