Cowen welcomes Bord na Mona commitment on Derrinlough Briquette Factory

FIANNA Fail TD Barry Cowen has welcomed a commitment by Bord na Mona that it will explore a range of options for the Derrinlough Briquette Factory site and is consulting with the Group of Unions.

"I welcome this change of tune by Bord na Mona and am pleased that they have responded to my concerns," Deputy Cowen said. "In correspondence to me this week Bord na Mona has committed to reviewing a range of potential options for this site and has commenced a process seeking expressions of interest. The Bord expects this process will take a number of months and no decision will be made on the future use of the site until this process concludes.

"I am also pleased Bord na Móna has now engaged extensively with the Group of Unions in relation to the Derrinlough factory closure and confirmed it will be exploring alternative options for the use of the site post-closure and will consider any proposals that they make for the site as part of the overall process.

"Bord na Mona has told me it will be evaluating all expressions of interest against selection criteria which will include, but is not limited to - employment generation opportunities, sustainability credentials and overall community benefit. I am confident an enterprise that will create employment will emerge, as well as one that creates a centre to recognise the area's extraordinary social history and its place in Ireland's society over the generations. It is wrong there is not a Museum of the Midlands already developed by Bord na Mona and ESB, given all they have extracted from it, but Derrinlough may now create the dynamic for it and for more jobs.

"I have asked Minister Eamon Ryan to stop Bord na Mona just selling off Derrinlough Briquette Factory and its circa 40 acres to the highest bidder. BnM management has to honour the commitment made to unions representing the workforce that there would be provision made at this site for an interpretive centre/museum chronicling the history of BnM in the region. This is a concept that has much public support. It would also have the support of local representatives and local authority who together with relevant stakeholders look forward to advancing this concept and making it a reality.

"I asked Minister Ryan to apply the following conditions to BnM regarding the Derrinlough site:

a) the Bord must provide funding and accommodate on the site an interpretive centre/museum chronicling the Bord's contribution to life and economy in the region;

b) the Bord must make provision to accommodate adequate community renewable energy projects on site; and

c) a sale has to be conditional on planning permission being achieved for a job-creating enterprise replacing Derrinlough briquette factory."