Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2019
234. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to repurpose the public service obligation levy to support rehabilitation of peatlands; if he will be consulting on the calculation and implementation of the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49347/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials have been engaging with the European Commission to explore the potential for a support scheme, funded through a Public Service Obligation, for the enhanced rehabilitation of Bord na Móna bogs used to harvest peat for electricity generation over and above what Bord na Móna is obliged to do under its EPA licences. A formal pre-notification proposal will be submitted through the Commission's State Aid notification structure shortly.
The relevant rules relating to consultation, whether set out in national or EU law, will be complied with. The verified cost of the enhanced rehabilitation of the peatlands will determine the overall amount of the levy under the Public Service Obligation.
It is expected that about 200 Bord na Mona employees could be engaged in this rehabilitation and restoration work.
