Bord na Móna announce formal end to all peat harvesting on its lands

Bord na Móna has formally ended all peat harvesting on its lands, marking a key milestone in its transformation into Irelands leading climate solutions company.
Making the announcement, Chief Executive Tom Donnellan said: “The Brown to Green strategy has involved the transformation of Bord na Móna from a traditional peat business into a climate solutions company. The progress made over the past two years means we are now fully focused on renewable energy generation, recycling and the development of other low carbon enterprises. While there are many advantages to the changes we have made, the key benefits include the high value, sustainable employment we are providing and the significant support we are delivering to Ireland’s objective, to become carbon neutral by 2050.

As we have put our new climate-focused business in place, we have also completely stopped a number of high carbon operations and transitioned others to a more sustainable model. During this period, peat harvesting has already been wound down and stopped. The company’s last full peat harvest took place in 2018, followed by a partial harvest in 2019 and a full suspension of harvesting operations last year. The company has today decided to make this suspension permanent and cease any remaining harvesting preparations, including planning and substitute consent applications. Today marks the formal end to the company’s association with peat harvesting, as we move on to tackle the critical challenges concerning climate change, energy supply, biodiversity and the circular economy.”

In order to fulfill its commitments on climate and the circular economy, the company will continue to progress the Brown to Green strategy. Bord na Móna’s development plans are of critical importance to Ireland achieving its renewable energy targets. By 2030, for instance, Bord na Móna will have developed wind, solar and other assets capable of supplying about one-third of all Irish homes with renewable energy. It also plans to be the leading collection and recycling business in Ireland by 2030, supporting national circular economy objectives.

Bord na Móna also recently launched a Peatland Restoration Plan of international significance. The plan, which involves an investment of €115 million, will harness the natural power of peatlands to secure a store of over 100m tonnes of carbon in perpetuity, cut emissions and capture millions of tonnes more in the coming years. The plan also secures employment for 350 employees previously engaged in peat harvesting activities. The announcement follows on from the suspension of harvesting operations, the closure of the ESB’s midlands power stations and the launch of the Peatlands Climate Action Scheme in November. As harvesting employees have already migrated into rehabilitation roles this announcement does not impact on current employment.

Also, as previously stated, Derrinlough briquette factory, will continue to manufacture peat briquettes to 2024, Kilberry horticulture facility will continue operating as normal supported by existing peat reserves, existing customer supply plans are unaffected, and Edenderry power station (EPL) will continue transitioning to run exclusively on residual and sustainable biomass.