Silvermines project making progress

400 jobs could be on the way for North Tipperary as the proposed construction of a major new hydroelectric project moves a step closer.

It’s expected there would also be 50 permanent jobs on site at Silvermines when it’s finished.

Bord na Mona has signed a memorandum of understanding with SIGA Hydro and Chinese state-owned energy giant China Power International to build the €650 million electricity plant.

The pump-storage plant at the disused mine would effectively be able to use and store wind-energy to power 200,000 homes.

Planning is expected to take 2 years and it will take 4 years to build – Tipperary TD Alan Kelly says it’s a massive project and a huge boost for the area.