Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The new chief executive officer, CEO, must come into place and I will have the same conversation with the new CEO that I had with his predecessors. For me it is a priority to maintain job numbers right across the midlands. I have made that crystal clear. As we transition away from fossil fuels into sustainable forms of fuel, it will remain a priority. That is why I was determined as a Minister to establish Bord na Móna BioEnergy, which will probably be the biggest employer of staff across the midland counties in the years to come. I am determined to support the management team in developing that sector of the business. I am sure the CEO will not have a difficulty in meeting Oireachtas Members from right across the region.

The ring-fencing of carbon tax will have to be dealt with by the Minister for Finance and I am sure it is a matter that can be discussed at the finance committee. The company is focused on progressing its plan to develop a sustainable business model that will maximise the number of people it employs not just in County Kildare but right across the midlands and right into County Roscommon and County Galway. Many of my neighbours are seasonal employees with Bord na Móna and I am very conscious of the impacts in this regard. I believe today is the last day of operation of the briquette plant at Littleton in County Tipperary. I want to see the site being explored for new business opportunities. We must keep that in mind when looking at Bord na Móna and the likes of Moneypoint as they transition from traditional fossil fuels. We should be able to put a clear channel in place to bring about a more sustainable future, with sustainable long-term jobs in the vicinity of those plants. I am determined to try to develop this as long as I am a Minister.

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