Downsized Bord na Móna gets go ahead for new swish green HQ in Kildare

Planning permission has been granted for Bord na Móna (BNM) for a new headquarters in Newbridge.

Kildare County Council has given the State company, which has downsized its operations in Laois and Offaly, the green light for new offices off the town’s Main Street.

The company has said the multi-storey building will be one of "the most energy efficient headquarters in Ireland and, it will enhance the town’s main street."

The company, which is owned by taxpayers, is set to build a five-storey building with setbacks and external terrace area at the fourth floor level.

The accommodation, totaling 3,343 square metres gross floor area, includes office accommodation and all ancillary uses and staff facilities.

The access road from Main Street provides access to a new car park (with 19 car spaces) to the rear of the new office building and 92 additional car parking spaces are designated for the new office building within the overall BNM site.

According to the documents, this road will facilitate KCC's objective for a link road connection from Main Street to the Military Road/Athgarvan Road (R416), which is to to be delivered in future phases, subject to separate planning permission.

BNM has had a presence in the Newbridge for over 70 years. At present, around 240 people work at its offices in the town.

Bord na Móna, was created in 1946 by the Turf Development Act of the same year. The company began developing the peatlands of Ireland with the aim to provide economic benefit for the Midland communities and achieve security of energy supply in the 26 counties.

It now describes itself as a semi-state climate solutions company helping lead Ireland towards a climate neutral future. It has ceased peat extraction.