Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I thank Mr. Meagher for attending. I have a couple of specific questions on particular ventures. My understanding is that Bord na Móna is considering the purchase of a company in Georgia in the US with a view to buying virgin forest there for importation to Ireland for burning in biomass power generation, co-firing with peat. Where does that project stand, what is the timeline, what is the requirement for ministerial approval and so on?

I understand that there was an announcement in April of a joint venture between the ESB and Bord na Móna regarding the introduction of four large solar farms. Where does that venture stand?

Mr. Meagher referred to divisions. In terms of the production and export of peat moss for horticultural purposes, how many tonnes are we collecting and exporting?

As a former finance director of a large multinational, has Mr. Meagher a view on what the price of carbon should be in terms of board assessments of investment decisions, including long-term capital investments? Would he advise a shadow price on carbon that would apply to Bord na Móna's investment decisions or planning? As chairman designate of a company that is "naturally driven", what is the price on carbon in Mr. Meagher's opinion?