Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ireland more than most countries in Europe appears to be always putting things on the long finger and deciding to do things tomorrow or another time. We do not even meet our EU regulations. The recent decision to delay the implementation of the EU air pollution limits for Moneypoint is illustrative of the level of willingness to tackle these issues. I am sure the Minister is aware of the recent court decision on Edenderry and the likelihood that Bord na Móna's planning permission will be overturned because An Bord Pleanála did not take on board the fact that 1.2 million tonnes per annum of peat was being burned at that plant, which information should have been included in the environmental assessment. I understand there are approximately 250 jobs at stake. Bord na Móna made over €50 million in 2014 and €33 million in 2015. As such, it has money to invest in renewable energy. Has the installation of solar panels in the bogs been considered? Has a cost benefit analysis been done on the possibility of moving in that direction? There is much talk about plans but we are not doing a whole lot yet and so we are missing our targets.

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