Corcoran-Kennedy welcomes clarity from Bórd na Mona

Fine Gael TD for Offaly Marcella Corcoran Kennedy has warmly welcomed today’s announcement from Bórd na Móna about their accelerated programme of rehabilitation of bogs in the midlands.

Deputy Corcoran-Kennedy said: “I very much welcome today’s clarity from Bord na Móna on their intentions and I know this news will be a great relief to people and families all across Offaly and the midlands.

“I have been tirelessly raising the case of the Bord na Móna workers with my ministerial colleagues in Fine Gael.

“It has always been the Government’s priority is to assist Bord na Móna, its workers and the wider region as it moves away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable, resilient business model, that can secure jobs for the Midlands in the long-term.

“There will be redeployment opportunities for up to 200 workers, as well as the creation of up to 150 indirect construction jobs, as part of its strategy to move the company away from traditional peat-based activities.

“The redeployment opportunities have been created due to Bord na Móna’s accelerated programme of rehabilitation of bogs in the midlands.

“Bord na Móna will also expand employment in its waste recycling and its new green business projects.

 “It has also been confirmed that between 150 and 180 workers could apply to avail of the re-opened voluntary redundancy scheme, on top of 400 workers who have already left through the scheme.

“It is most welcome that the continuation of the voluntary redundancy scheme would accommodate those within Bord na Móna who wish to pursue new careers or educational opportunities.

“It said it would also provide comprehensive training and supports for all involved in the transition.

“We all recognise the pivotal role Bord na Móna will play in the transition and welcome the update today on their Brown to Green Strategy and the progress being made to develop more sustainable business opportunities.

“Bord na Móna’s move to rehabilitate bogs will have a very positive impact, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sequestration over time.”

Deputy Corcoran-Kennedy continued: “I also welcome the announcement that an agreement has been reached between Bord na Móna and the ESB to supply peat to their two Midlands power stations in West Offaly and Lough Ree through to the end of 2020 and that engagement between Bord na Móna and its workers will be facilitated through the Joint Industrial Relations Council.

“Budget 2020 put a major focus on helping those most impacted as Ireland steps up our response to climate disruption. The government will invest €31m in a number of key initatives: €6 million for a Just Transition Fund for reskilling workers and community development; €5 million for bog restoration and rehabilitation on non-Bord na Móna bogs and €20 million to deliver a new model for group housing upgrades in the Midlands.

“The direct measures on bogs and retrofits have the capacity to deliver up to 500 new direct and indirect jobs for the Midlands.

“My colleague Minister Bruton will shortly bring forward proposals for a Just Transition Commissioner who will coordinate work between stakeholders in the region and central government.

“The Government’s just transition plan will include these measures and will look specifically at how best the State can assist the Midlands.”