Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding my disappointment with An Bord Pleanála's decision, as well as the Government’s and the ESB's response to it, which culminated in last week's announcement, I want to reiterate questions I raised at yesterday’s meetings.

The plants at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro were put there 15 years ago at a cost of €415 million. We have been told that they will now be taken down over a two-year period. I want to ensure that is not the case. Will the Minister commit that they will be retained and have a use beyond their present usage? I want to ensure that the chief executive officer of Bord na Móna comes out front with the implications for the Edenderry power plant, its Derrinlough briquette factory and the horticultural sector. What funds has the company for rehabilitation? It claims it has €20 million and the Minister claims the PSO, public service obligation, will re-purposed to add to that. We want confirmation that the pension fund has the capacity to meet the demands that will be placed upon it. What application has Bord na Móna made to the EU for transition funds?

I want a detailed debate on the terms and conditions of the just transition package, as well as the potential to increase the transition fund commitment to an annual commitment to the counties concerned, particularly as €40 million in rates will be lost to Offaly. What are the statutory instruments relating to the horticulture sector beyond Bord na Móna? A recent High Court decision could impact on a further 4,000 jobs. We need clarification on this.

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