The new Minister for Communications and Climate Change says the conversion of Moneypoint to a biomass facility is not an option.
Denis Naughton was speaking during a Dáil discussion on the future of the West Clare power station during which its importance to the area was emphasised by speakers.
Clare independent TD Dr Michael Harty has invited to the Minister to visit the facility to meet with staff and business interests in the area, an invitation that Denis Naughton says he's willing to accept.
Questions on the future of Moneypoint remain, after the Government's recent White Paper on energy said a key decision on its future will be taken before 2020.
But the issue has arisen once again during a Dáil debate on the Energy Bill, when the importance of the West Clare Power Station was noted by a number of speakers.
Clare Independent TD Dr Michael Harty says a decision on the future of Moneypoint can't be put on the long finger as hundreds of jobs hang in the balance.
The new Minister for Communications and Climate Change has acknowledged the need for alternative fuel sources, saying we have challenges with Moneypoint as well as our peat-fired power stations in the midlands.
Minister Naughton has shot down the suggestion of a biomass conversion and he says he's willing to accept Dr Harty's invitation to visit the west Clare power station.
