Bord na Mona workers who fear they may lose their jobs want an urgent meeting with the Environment Minister, Denis Naughten.

Up to 1,300 workers employed at the company’s power stations in the Midlands face an uncertain future amid new rules on peat burning.

Last week the High Court granted a stay to three BNM subsidiaries allowing them to continue operations pending a decision by An Bord Pleanála.

Siptu’s John Regan, said: “The continuing uncertainty about the long-term future of the plants is causing immense strain to hundreds of workers and their families. Closure of the Edenderry plant, run by Edenderry Power Ltd, would lead directly to 250 to 300 job losses.

“The two other peat burning power stations in the Midlands are also under threat, which means up to 1,300 other direct jobs could be at risk while many more people also depend on the BNM operations for their livelihoods.”

He added that the union is confident that BNM does have a viable plan and long term strategy for the Edenderry Power plant.

He said: “The plan envisages the development of a biomass industry which will replace its traditional peat energy business by 2030. Biomass use in the Edenderry plant is currently at 35% (350,000 tonnes) and will rise to 50% (500,000 tonnes) by 2020 while the company intends to continue to reduce the use of peat thereafter.

“We require an urgent engagement with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, to discuss the future of these plants and the many thousands of people who depend on them.”