Key decisions on the future of Moneypoint will be taken before 2020.
The Government has launched its white paper on energy which highlights the West Clare power station's contributions to Ireland's security of supply.
The White Paper is a complete energy policy update which sets out a framework to guide policy and the actions theGovernment intends to take from now up to 2030.
It takes into account European and International climate change objectives and agreements, as well as Irish social, economic and employment priorities.
It says that key decisions on the future of Moneypoint will be taken before 2020 and that it's expected that coal will remain a significant element of our power generation mix for the next decade.
However the Government says before the West Clare power station comes to the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025, the most suitable replacement low-carbon generation technology will have to be identified.
But Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch is criticising the White Paper, saying that it has failed to outline a clear plan for the future of Moneypoint.
Launching the White Paper, the Energy Minister has admitted that it could be the end of the century before we become a completely carbon free country and using only renewables.
Alex White says that while reference to Moneypoint might appear to be vague, but in reality its facing up to the fact that we do need to decarbonise.
