Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the activities of Bord na Mona; if the Government is planning to privatise the company; the amount of their business that revolves around waste management and renewable energy activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33429/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Bord na Móna was given approval in October 2005 to develop its future strategy proposals, specifically in the waste management, renewable energy and environmental solutions areas. The approval not only supports the concept of maximum commercial freedom for the Company but also ensures the long-term viability of the Company having regard to the declining and finite nature of its existing businesses. Bord na Móna's immediate projects currently being pursued include the construction of a wind farm in North Mayo and examination of other sites for similar projects, the development of a waste management facility at Drehid, Co. Kildare, and possible involvement in the co-fuelling of an existing power plant with renewable resources.

The Drehid waste management facility will comprise a fully enclosed composting plant primarily to handle biowaste from household, commercial and industrial sources, and a residual landfill. The facility is currently under construction with an expected completion date in 2007. Bord na Móna plc currently operates a licensed landfill facility for the disposal of ash produced by Edenderry Power Limited.

As you are aware, the Programme for Government, agreed in June 2002, states that the Government will approach the issue of the appropriate form of ownership or structure for state companies on a case-by-case basis and will support the maximum commercial freedom of semi-state companies, subject to the fulfilment of national strategic and balanced regional policy objectives. The Government has no plans for the privatisation of Bord na Móna plc.