Concerns have been raised over the future of the briquette factory in Derrinlough, Co Offaly.

Sales of briquettes have dropped over the last year due to the higher cost as a result of the carbon tax which was introduced by the previous Fine Gael/Labour Government.

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly Barry Cowen has written to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughton to seek clarity on the issue.

He said: "Derrinlough factory coupled with the briquette factory in Littleton are capable of producing 240,000 tons each year. However sales are currently running below this figure which has put a question mark over the long term viability of briquette production in the midlands. It has been pointed out that without subvention or a carbon-tax derogation for Bord na Móna then the future of peat production in the midlands is bleak.

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"I have spoken to a number of Bord na Móna employees in recent weeks and they have made the case for the continuation of production at Derrinlough factory. These employees have serious concerns over the future of the plant. I want to make it clear that we will fight to secure the future of the plant.

"Peat supplied to Derrinlough has a relatively low ash content and therefore it produces a high grade product. The low ash content also means that maintenance costs at the plant are kept low which results in the cost per ton of briquettes being kept at a minimum."

(CD/LM)