Sinn Fein has welcomed assurances from Bord na Móna that the facility in Kilkerry bog will continue production.

Sinn Fein TD for Kildare North Patricia Ryan made the comments after a meeting with CEO's at Bord na Mona.

She said: "I am delighted that Bord na Móna has given assurances that the facility in Kilberry bog will continue production. Despite the bog closing to peat harvesting, Bord na Móna is committed to keeping all employees working locally and retraining them in bog rehabilitation. This is a huge relief to both stressed workers and their families.

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"In addition, Bord na Móna have revealed extensive plans to go entirely 'green' by 2025. These plans include careful rehabilitation of the peatbogs, and renewable energy production. Much of this will be in Kildare, providing much needed local employment.

"We are delighted to see, not only the retention of jobs, but an increase in both graduate jobs and general operatives. It is imperative that we encourage employment locally for our college graduates, so they don’t need to leave their communities to work.

"We must encourage jobs for our young people so they can build and grow the community they have ties to."