Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

6:30am - 9:00am

Breakfast with Peter Dunne

Paul Mccartney

Wonderful Christmas Time

Bord na Móna Workers Demand A Fair Just Transition, Future Jobs and Pension Guarantee

Monday, 3 February 2020 08:24

Over 500 people rallied in Shannonbridge over the weekend.

Over 500 Bord na Móna workers and their families took to the streets of Shannonbridge over the weekend to voice their concerns about future jobs for the midlands.

It's after An Bord Pleanála refused the ESB permission to keep burning peat at the West Offaly Power Station last summer, saying the plan to burn biomass was unsustainable.

The workers who rallied want a fair just transition, their pensions to be guaranteed, and to ensure alternative jobs are made available to them in the Midlands.

Bernard Daly, a Regional Officer with Unite the Union, says there has been a breakdown in relations between Bord na Móna management and workers

He also is concerned that management have yet to outline their business plan for the future:

Pat Phelan, a Bord na Móna worker, says pensions need to be secured:

Brendan McCormack, a transport worker at Bord na Móna, believes the government’s plan to get them to retrofit homes in the region is not feasible:

There was a mixed reaction to politicians as they took to the stage with all of them signing the pledge to support workers.

More from Midlands News

ESB Requires Massive Step Change To Meet Connection Obligations

300,000 homes will need to be connected in the next half decade.
Concerns Raised Over National Lottery’s Handling Of Gambling Risks

The research also found that the age-verification system can be easily bypassed using falsified identification.
Over €73k Awarded To Midlands Schools For Sustainability Projects

Laois schools will receive the highest amount of funding.
Appeal Lodged Over Slieve Blooms Quarry Expansion

Anna and Michael Carroll say they are among six households living close to the site.
Westmeath Community Group Spreads Christmas Cheer To Families In Need

The Connaught Street Markets group is helping families this festive season.
Offaly Bike Shop Owner Calls For Tougher Penalties For Phone Use While Driving

Current phones users while driving receive a fine of €120.
Department Of Education Faces Almost 2,000 Teacher Vacancies

Almost 1,300 of those vacancies are in primary schools.
Midlands MEP Slams EU Commission President Over Mercosur Trade Deal Push

The signing is delayed until 2026.
Revenue Seize Over €455k In Contraband In The Midlands

282 weapons were also seized.
Westmeath Global Tech Company Set To Move Next Year

Ericsson could be moving to the Garrycastle IDA park.
Offaly TD Makes Call For Retail Crime Reporting Systems

Fine Gael's John Clendennen feels a grant will allow retailers to report crime more easily.
Westmeath Private Medical Campus Credits Public Health Cases For Success

The Charter Medical Campus in Mullingar is set to expand its Midlands workforce by up to 200 jobs.
Over 300 Irish Soldiers Spending Christmas In Lebanon

The 127th Infantry Battalion was deployed from Athlone's Custume Barracks.
Midlands Children’s Services Project Celebrates HSE Excellence Award Wins

HSE Dublin and Midlands region secured major success.
Midlands Towns And Villages To Receive €2.4m In Regeneration Funding

Offaly will receive the highest amount in the midlands.
Midlands Private School Principal Urges Inclusion In Free Books Scheme

The Irish Independent reports an annual €2,000 rise in private school costs.
F1 Prospect Alex Dunne Brushes Off Media Speculation

The Offaly man finished fifth in this year's F2 Championship.
Westmeath Sports Clubs Do 12 Laps of Christmas

The event kicks of tonight.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash

It happened on the R402 Daingean to Mount Lucas road this morning.
National Mercosur Protest Set For Midlands Next Month

Independent Ireland is organising the protest in Athlone for January.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103