BNM still seeking expressions of interest on sale of former Offaly factory

Bord na Móna has said the process to seek expressions of interest relating to the future use of the Derrinlough briquette factory site is still ongoing.

The proposal to sell off the factory, which closed permanently early last year, proved controversial when it first emerged some months later.

The facility was first advertised for sale on the Daft.ie website in August of 2023, but the advertisement was taken down some days later after concerns about the sale were raised by the SIPTU trade union, TD Barry Cowen, and others.

The advertisement for the site was later re-activated on Daft.ie, with amended wording which stated that “expressions of interest” were being sought “for the future use” of the former briquette factory situated between Cloghan and Birr.

Bord na Móna said at the time that issues such as “employment generation” and “overall community benefit” would be taken into consideration in its planned sale of the former industrial facility.

“We welcome all expressions of interest in the site. All of which are being evaluated against a selection criteria which will include, but is not limited to employment generation opportunities, sustainability credentials and overall community benefit,” Bord na Móna said this week in a brief statement following a query from the Offaly Independent.

Deputy Barry Cowen previously welcomed “a commitment by Bord na Móna that it will explore a range of options” for the Derrinlough factory.

He said he was confident “an enterprise that will create employment” would emerge at Derrinlough, along with a “centre to recognise the area's extraordinary social history".

The substantial south Offaly site has a gross external footprint of 15,281 square metres.