Bord na Móna

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018

Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Questions (748)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

748. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Bord na Móna will be repurposed as a dedicated carbon sequestration utility in view of recent weather events (details supplied) and Ireland's projected failure to meet carbon reduction targets; his plans to increase employment there together with elements of other commercial semi-State companies as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31012/18]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Bord na Móna operates as a diversified utility operating in multiple sectors, including power generation, bioenergy, resource recovery, horticulture and fuels. The dual imperatives to finish energy peat production and contribute to economy-wide decarbonisation have had a major impact on the company’s business model and have become the primary drivers of Bord na Móna’s strategic direction over the next decade. Bord na Móna aims to maintain its substantial employment profile as it transforms into a more sustainable business model with a significantly lower carbon footprint. As part of Bord na Móna's plans to leverage their land bank to provide employment opportunities, wind and solar projects are being developed in conjunction with other commercial State companies on sites formerly used for peat harvesting. In addition, Bord na Móna are expanding their operations in the biomass sector which is expected to provide further employment opportunities.