Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
71. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if it is his policy to completely phase out the extraction of peat over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14438/20]
View answerThe section in the Programme for Government titled ‘The Exit from Peat in the Midlands’ commits to ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy is fair. The transition out of peat in the Midlands is the first test of the just transition. The Government will ensure that the Just Transition in the Midlands works inclusively and that it is an example of how large communities can introduce major changes in their daily lives and workplaces and still prosper. As part of this work, my Department will support the Just Transition Commissioner in designing a comprehensive and inclusive response, publish and implement a detailed all-of-government implementation plan consistent with the recommendations of the first report of the Just Transition Commissioner and conduct a feasibility study into the establishment of a Green Energy/Renewable Energy Hub in the Midlands, using the existing infrastructure in this region.
In conjunction with this, Government will undertake a national land use review, including farmland, forests, and peatlands, so that optimal land use options inform all relevant government decisions. The review will balance environmental, social, and economic considerations and involve a process of evaluation of the ecological characteristics of the land. It will include consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation challenges. Policy co-benefits, such as rewetting or forest regrowth to mitigate flooding risks in river catchments, will be considered. All stakeholders will be consulted.
