Fianna Fail will work to Protect Bórd na Móna employees
Published on: 27 January 2020
Fianna Fail General election candidates in Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen TD and Cllr Peter Ormond, have said that protecting the employees of Bord na Mona and ESB is a top priority for the party.
Deputy Cowen explained, “The outgoing Fine Gael-led government have demonstrated a complete lack of urgency to help the employees, families and communities affected by the proposed closure of the ESB power stations in Lanesboro and Shannonbridge, and the further risk to hundreds of jobs at Bord na Mona.
“These are people’s livelihoods at stake, not to speak of the future of this economy of the Midlands. And yet, the consequences have seemed like an afterthought to the outgoing government. The speed at with which this is happening is completely disproportionate to any proposed investment in the region,” the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure said.
Cllr Peter Ormond is Caothaoirleach of Offaly County Council and Chairman of the Just Transition Committee.
He commented, “We have been very vocal in our support for the Bord na Móna workers and their families at a time when many have felt abandoned by the Fine Gael Government. Protecting jobs in a sustainable way is an absolute priority for us. The constituency of Laois-Offaly faces unique challenges with such a huge proportion of our workforce employed by Bord na Mona and ESB, and this must be given special consideration.
“The eyes of future generations are upon us. Our policies must focus on protecting and growing job opportunities here in Offaly, attracting investment to this region and maximising existing resources in a way that rewards local enterprise and innovation.
“Fianna Fáil is committed to social proofing our environmental policies. We are committed to this region and protecting jobs here. A Just Transition must be exactly that – one that is fair to all regions. There are special considerations in the Midlands and we are committed to ensuring the views of this community are represented in ongoing policies in this area.”