Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
198. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate; Energy and the Environment the number of meetings he has had with Bord na Mona on the sale of Bord Na Mona recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31453/25]
View answer199. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate; Energy and the Environment to publish all documentation relating to his consideration of Ministerial consent of Bord Na Mona recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31454/25]
View answer200. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate; Energy and the Environment the actions he will take to protect workers’ pay and conditions at Bord na Mona recycling and ensure that Bord na Móna recycling will establish a registered employment agreement on pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31455/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 198, 199 and 200 together.
Bord na Móna (BnM) is a commercial State body under the aegis of my Department, established under the Turf Development Act 1998. BnM is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department. The Board and management of BnM are accountable for the strategic direction and management of the organisation. My Department is responsible for the corporate governance oversight of BnM, including the provision of consent relating to certain activities.
In relation to BnM Recycling, the Department was made aware in 2024 that BnM was undertaking a strategic review of this business. BnM informed my Department on 7 February 2025 that after conducting this strategic review, it proposes to sell its shares in BnM Recycling Limited to Irish recycling provider KWD Recycling, a waste collection, recycling and recovery operator in the southwest of Ireland. Any proposal to sell part of BnM’s business is subject to regulatory approval, including Ministerial consent and Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) clearance. My Department understands that the CCPC has now issued its decision in relation to this proposal. On receipt of a formal consent request from BnM, this proposal will be carefully considered by my Department.
Bord na Móna has informed my Department that it has taken steps via its extensive interaction with the buyer and the union with the support of the Work Place Relations Commission, to provide all staff members, including union members and those who choose not to be union members, with the assurances required that their terms and conditions will be protected. My Department continues to engage in dialogue on all governance related matters with Bord na Móna.
