Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
113. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to amend the legal mandate of Bord na Móna to ensure that the protection and restoration of the environment and climate action are core obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress on plans to amend the Turf Development Acts 1998 to ensure that Bord na Móna is required to take into account climate, biodiversity, and water objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 141 together.
Bord na Móna (BnM) is already obliged to comply with climate, biodiversity, water and other environmental objectives set out in the Programme for Government, Government strategy and policy documents and legislation. There are a number of tools and mechanisms available to ensure that this happens such as Shareholder Letters of Expectations, rolling corporate plans and strategies and consideration of consent requests from the Company.
BnM is progressing through a period of radical change underpinned by its ‘Brown to Green’ strategy. This includes major investment in renewable energy, restoration of depleted boglands and further development of its integrated waste management business. The Government increased BnMs borrowing limit from €400m to €650m to support its strategy.
These measures support the delivery of the targets and ambition set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Climate Action Plan 2023, and the delivery of the Government's circular economy agenda.
There are no plans to amend the Turf Development Acts at this point.
