Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly Barry Cowen has called on the Government to urgently move to provide certainty for the 180 workers at Bord na Móna’s peat powered power plant in Edenderry following the High Court’s decision to quash an extension of the plant’s peat extraction license.

Deputy Cowen commented, “The High Court’s decision to quash An Bord Pleanála’s previous decision to extend the peat extraction license for the power plant in Edenderry is alarming. The decision means that the lifespan of the power plant is now significantly reduced. There are over 180 jobs at risk as a result of this ruling.

“Fianna Fáil previously brought forward measures to continue with peat extraction in order to support job creation and allow management at Bord na Móna to transition to a more sustainable method of energy production.

“A central part of An Bord Pleanála’s decision to extend the peat extraction license in the first instance was to allow the company put in place a new form of energy production. This ruling means management at the company are now racing against time to secure the future of the plant.

“My office has already been contacted by a number of workers who are worried about the impact of this decision. The Government needs to urgently set out a plan to ensure the long term operation of this strategic power plant. The plant is an important source of employment and economic activity across the Midlands and it’s future cannot be put in jeopardy” said Deputy Cowen.