I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 87, inclusive, together.
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.
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. During this time, Bord na Móna will be exploring alternative options for the future use of the site. 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 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.
Bord na Móna is fully committed to supporting all impacted employees and has implemented a redeployment strategy to provide alternative positions and retraining opportunities within the wider business. All impacted employees have now been redeployed across Bord na Móna’s Renewable Energy, Land & Habitats and Recycling businesses.
As part of its Brown to Green Strategy, Bord na Móna is now entirely focused on renewable energy generation, recycling, peatlands restoration, biodiversity and the development of new, low-carbon enterprises. It will continue expanding its sustainable project portfolio to support Ireland in achieving its renewable energy requirements by 2030, and its net zero emissions by 2050.