Bord na Móna

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Questions (90)

Bríd Smith

Question:

90. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is in agreement with calls to immediately halt the sale of the former Bord na Móna briquette factory and its 44.5 acre site in Derrinlough, County Offaly, in the interests of allowing time for a public consultation with all local and national stakeholders about how the distinct social, economic and cultural significance of this key site in Ireland’s industrial heritage and economic history can best be honoured and safeguarded for the future, and how the site’s potential to deliver a Just Transition towards a low-carbon future in the midlands can best be realised; if he will undertake to launch such a public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Bord na Móna is an independent commercial semi state company and the future of the Derrinlough Peat Briquette Factory site is a matter for the Board and Management of Bord na Móna.  I, as Minister, have no statutory function in this matter.

The closure of Derrinlough marks the final stage of the company’s wider commitment to cease peat harvesting in 2021, exhaust existing peat stocks for briquette production, and complete its transition from a traditional peat business to a climate solutions and renewable energy company.

Bord na Móna has concluded all briquette production operations at its Derrinlough peat factory in Co. Offaly. Decommissioning of the briquette factory will now commence and will take a number of months to complete. Bord na Móna is committed to reviewing a range of potential options for the site in line with its original plans and is engaging with a variety of stakeholders on this matter.