Just two out of every five jobs promised within Bord na Mona for bog rehabilitation work across the Midland counties have been filled, according to a Dáil reply received by local Independent Deputy, Denis Naughten.
“This rehabilitation work on the bogs was specifically funded to secure short term employment for Bord na Mona workers, but only a fraction of seasonal workers have been offered employment with just 152 jobs offered to date out of 350 potential positions.
“As we move into the height of what was traditionally peat harvesting season with, so few seasonal staff employed there is growing concern locally with regard to the bog rehabilitation process.
“There are also instances where there have been concerns expressed by local landowners regarding the level of engagement on the impact that these works could have on existing farmland.
“In 2019, I proposed that the Government would introduce and a bog restoration programme to protect existing jobs in Bord na Móna in the short term, pending the reconfiguration of the company. I am glad the Government took on board my proposal, which resulted in Cabinet approval last year of a €108 million large-scale peatland restoration project by Bord na Móna, which will create 350 jobs.
“However, there is an ongoing lack of progress in recruiting the 280 seasonal workers, all of whom were laid off by the company last year. These seasonal staff cannot just be thrown aside and have no clarity on what their future holds, this is just not good enough,” Deputy Naughten asserted.
Naughten will seek to amend Climate Law
Meanwhile, Deputy has confirmed that he did not oppose the passage of the new climate law in Dáil Éireann, despite maintaining it contains a number of flaws.
Instead he will introduce a piece of amending legislation in the autumn that will require Dáil approval of sectoral emission targets and include separate treatment for biogenic methane coming from agriculture, in line with the advice of the Climate Change Advisory Council.
“I have consistently said throughout the passage of this legislation that I do not want to undermine the overall objective behind the Climate Bill and that is why I will support its final passage tonight. However, I will address the weaknesses that I see in this law with the publication of a piece of amending legislation later this year.
“I have received assurances from Minister Ryan during the detailed debate on my issues of concern during Committee Stage of the Bill, and I accept that in both instances it is not the intention of Government to see the new law being used in the manner that I have highlighted.
“My concerns focused around two aspects namely, biogenic methane, produced from agriculture, should be accounted for separately due to its distinct characteristics as part of the overall carbon cycle, as recommended by the Climate Change Advisory Council. This is to ensure there is not a perverse incentive to other government Departments to do little and force farmers to foot the climate bill
“Additionally, the sectoral emission targets would have to be presented and approved by the Dáil just like a financial budget or the National Planning Framework. This would ensure the Minister of the day would have to present the full implications of their proposals across the economy and outline the potentially far reaching implications for individuals, families and communities nationwide.
“I want a law that brings about real climate action by encouraging people along the climate journey in a constructive and positive way with the aim of achieving the goal that we all want, which is a long-term sustainable planet for our children and for their children.
“I have clearly set out my concerns with regard to this law during the detailed Committee debate which, at its core, is about providing democratic oversight to fair, balanced and achievable targets for each sector of society.
“While my concerns have not been taken on board in the manner that I sought, I do accept that Minister Ryan has acknowledged these issues and he has also made it clear to the Committee that he is open to revisions to the law.
“So, despite my reservations, I am taking a responsible approach to what is an important piece of legislation for our planet and our environment and supported its passage through Dáil Éireann,” Deputy Naughten asserted.
