05/10/2009

Some 500 Bord Na Móna Jobs In Jeopardy

Some 500 Bord Na Móna workers are fearing for their jobs as news of extended closures to Offaly and Longford power stations emerged.

It was confirmed today the two power stations in the midlands would be closed for prolonged periods during the next two years.

Health and safety concerns surrounding corrosion are said to be responsible for the looming closures, which are expected to take place for several months in 2010 and 2011.

Bord na Móna workers are largely involved in the production of peat for the ESB's West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants.

The workers fear significant losses in overtime and bonus payments during what should be high periods of electricity generation.

A claim in excess of €1m has already been made for losses accumulated by some peat workers since difficulties at the two new power stations began.

Locals fear the closures could destabilise the full-time and seasonal jobs on the bogs if they go ahead.

In June Bord Na Móna announced profits across the key core business areas – fuels, energy and resource recovery – were up, with operating profit for the past year standing at €23.8 million, up €1.3 million on the previous year’s results.

Company turnover for the past year to June stood at €401.6 million, up 8% on the previous year and a dividend of €12.9 million was paid to shareholders.

(DW/KMcA)


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