Bord na Móna

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2015

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Ceisteanna (256)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

256. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will establish a round table forum of Departments and local Deputies to assess and address the implications of the High Court rejection of planning permission to Bord na Móna to extend the lifetime of the Edenderry power station given the implications that it has for local employment and for the extension to the operation of the power stations at Shannonbridge in County Offaly and at Lanesborough in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38557/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Bord na Móna is a commercial State company operating under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998. The matter raised by the Deputy is operational in nature and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function.

I have noted the decision of the High Court in this matter. Separately, I understand that there are matters before An Bord Pleanála relevant to this issue. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment or to take any action at this time.

Questions Nos. 257 and 258 answered with Question No. 254.