The Tarbert and Moneypoint plants are due to close within three years.
Moneypoint and Tarbert power stations won't be decommissioned until they can be replaced with secure supply and renewables.
The Tánaiste has told Clare TD Michael McNamara they may continue to run for many years to come due to concerns over Ireland's energy security.
It's after he asked Leo Varadkar why the government is pursuing a policy of closing power stations during an energy crisis.
Deputy McNamara says the technology isn't ready for renewables yet:
The West Offaly Power Station in Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly and Lough Ree Power Station in Lanesborough, Co. Longford were both shut down in late 2019 as part of the government's decarbonisation process.
Moneypoint in Clare is due to close in 2025 and Tarbert in Kerry by the end of 2023.
Deputy McNamara says until new sources of energy are found, the two power stations will stay:
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