Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The climate change performance index, or CCPI, for 2019 ranked Ireland as the worst performing member state of the EU and among the worst performing countries in the world in tackling climate change. We have received a warning and we must now get off our behinds. That we need to change is well known across all sectors and communities, both rural and urban. In rural areas, the big question is how to protect farmers and workers during this change. In other words, managed change is required. Bord na Móna has been a very important strategic employer across the midlands for 60 years or more. Various communities and families grew up in and around Bord na Móna's plants and operations, including at Derrygreenagh and Rochfortbridge in County Westmeath, Derryadd and Lanesborough in County Longford and Boora in County Offaly. Great families were sustained by the work of Bord na Móna which will now be lost. The company is to close 17 of its 62 active bogs immediately and is due to end peat harvesting in 45 more within seven years. Up to 500 jobs will no longer be available. What plans does the Department have for peat workers, people working in peat factories, harvesters and those in the surrounding communities? Alternatives must be put in place to secure the future of these families and the workers in those plants.

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