Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that we are in the presence of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, as I do not need to commit to making him aware of what Deputy Lowry has mentioned. It is essential that Bord na Móna protect what are public assets – its buildings and bogs. I would not like to see a situation develop such as that that has occurred for CIÉ during the years, where large amounts of land owned by CIÉ and Irish Rail have been encroached on by people who then acquire squatters' rights and ownership of the land. It is important that public assets be protected and defended by the company in the interests of the wider public and especially people living in the midlands.

The Deputy mentioned the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund as a possible source that could be used to help to fund Bord na Móna's transition. That is an option. There are other funds to bear in mind, including the €1 billion rural development fund, the regional enterprise fund and the €500 million climate action fund. We should be able to make the first set of announcements of funding from these funds before the end of the year. There is potential in that regard, as well for the company.

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