Bord na Móna plans to create 300 new jobs over the next two years as it expands into green technologies. The company made the announcement after its annual general meeting in Dublin today where it reported operating profits of €23.8 million for 2008, up €1.3 million on the pervious year. Company turnover for the past year stands at €401.6 million, up 8% on the previous year. The State-owned said it will pay a dividend of €12.9 million. Bord na Móna said the new jobs would be created in green energy, resource recovery and environmental solutions. The company also published a sustainability report, in which it set targets for the next five years. These include a 50% reduction in levels of CO2 per hour and the provision of 500 megawatts of wind energy. Chief executive Gabriel D’Arcy said the financial results represented a “very credible” performance in a competitive environment and a tough export market with the fall in the value of sterling. “We have a clear focus on diversification and expansion and we have made progress on delivering these goals during 2008, despite the difficult economic circumstances both at home and abroad.” Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan welcomed Bord na Móna’s strategy and said pursuing green technologies could lead to “considerable economic benefits”. “These jobs in areas such as resource recovery will reduce the volume of materials going to landfill and re-directing them for use in horticulture and energy.” |
