Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an assessment has been carried out as to when the supply of peat for the manufacture of peat briquettes will run out; if it is Born na Mona's intention to cease the production of peat briquettes; if so, the steps he will take to replace the important part of our Irish heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44448/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Under the Turf Development Acts, Bord na Móna plc is charged with the management, development and working of the bogs and other lands vested in the company. Any decision in relation to the production of peat briquettes or any other fuel type is a matter for the company.

Bord na Móna plc has advised that it is currently carrying out a detailed review of its current peat supplies, including those used for manufacture of peat briquettes. This review is expected to be completed during 2010. However, it is considered that the supply of peat for the manufacture of peat briquettes is currently adequate and the company has no plans to cease production of this product.

The Deputy may be aware that at the launch of the company's 2007/2008 Annual Report, Bord na Móna outlined its strategy for the future entitled 'A New Contract with Nature', which signalled its intention to move towards a more sustainable business model with greater focus on environmental products, wind energy, biomass, resource recovery, district heating and eco tourism.