Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy has raised concerns about the potential threat to over 20 jobs with Bord na Mona in the midlands region as a number of lorry drivers now face redeployment.
Deputy Murphy understands that in excess of 20 permanent lorry drivers who are employed by Bord na Mona in the South Roscommon, Lanesboro and Boora area of County Offaly are being redeployed by the company as the work is being let out to private operators. A number of concerned lorry drivers have contacted Deputy Murphy’s constituency office in relation to the matter and the Fianna Fail Deputy is seeking urgent clarification from Bord na Mona in relation to the matter.
“I understand that in excess of 20 permanent lorry drivers have been told that they will be redeployed to work on the bogs but this may not be suitable for each individual and it is also not clear what distances or locations the workers are being redeployed to as it could be miles away from their place of residence. I am seeking urgent clarification from Bord na Mona in relation to this matter and I have already begun discussions with workers in relation to the matter,” said Deputy Murphy.
Wider impact
The Fianna Fail Deputy also understands that Bord na Mona had leased out a number of lorries from a County Roscommon based transport company and the redeployment of over 20 jobs could now also have a knock on effect on the locally based transport company.
“The redeployment of over 20 lorry drivers with Bord na Mona to the boglands will also have a knock on effect on the number of seasonal workers employed on the bogs as typically during the summer many young people, students and others relied on such seasonal work but much of that available work could now be absorbed by redeployed workers,” warned Eugene Murphy.
The Fianna Fail Deputy also understands that a number of jobs in the horticultural sector of Bord na Mona in counties Laois and Kildare may also be marked for redeployment and he has sought clarification from the company in relation to all these matters.