Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions. I will put them to specific delegations rather than asking everyone because time will not allow for answers from everyone. My first question is for Bord na Móna. Rewetting of bogs in under way. For example, the bog at Abbeyleix is being rehabilitated. Do the witnesses see Bord na Móna being directly involved in the enhanced rehabilitation of bogs in the future? I am not totally au faitwith this. I am not a scientist but it is reported that sphagnum has huge potential to absorb carbon. Is Bord na Móna actively looking at that? What does the science say? My understanding is that the PSO can be used for that.

My second question for Bord na Móna relates to the future of the Derrinlough facility. It is successful and efficient. It is the last plant standing. I was more familiar with the facility at Mount Lucas but that went a number of years ago. The change coming in 2024 under EU regulations and the carbon tax may have an impact on Derrinlough. Has Bord na Móna looked at the potential for mixing other raw material with peat? Could a briquette made from an alternative to peat be produced at the plant?

With regard to the just transition, the unions were before the committee earlier. In the ESB's presentation, it said that it welcomed the appointment of the just transition commissioner, who will have a vital role in ensuring a co-ordinated and effective approach to the just transition. That would indicate that the ESB sees the need for some type of forum if one is going to have a co-ordinated and effective approach to the just transition for communities and workers. I do not want to put words in the witnesses' mouths, but that is what they seem to be indicating. Is Bord na Móna willing to participate and be a major player in a just transition forum for the midlands? Such a forum would bring together Bord na Móna, the ESB, workers' representatives and other key stakeholders such as Coillte to bring about this just transition. There are a number of parts involved. There are different parties in the room today. Last week we had other groups here and earlier today we had the unions in. Having sat through these hearings asking questions, I cannot help think that two representatives from each of the groups we are meeting should be brought together in a single forum. What is Bord na Móna's view of that proposal? Would it make sense?

Has Bord na Móna carried out a skills audit in respect of the workers who are facing transition or losing their jobs? I am sorry for the length of my contribution but horticultural peat is an issue of huge concern to me. I refer to Coolnacart, the Cashel bogs, and the plant at Kilberry but specifically the plant at Coolnamona. Some composting is going on there. That is what Bord na Móna has told me previously. In all the talk around just transition, there has been no mention of jobs. What is in the future for that plant? What is the timescale? Can the plant be redeployed for alternative uses? Those are my questions for Bord na Móna.