Bord na Móna

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (132)

Carol Nolan

Question:

132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when funding will be provided to Bord na Móna for the enhanced peatland rehabilitation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15973/20]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Bord na Móna announced, on 16 June, their intention to suspend peat harvesting activities for 2020 while its substitute consent application is under consideration by an Bord Pleanála, and to put in place an enhanced peatlands rehabilitation scheme as a key component of Bord na Móna’s move away from peat.

The Government is committed to supporting Bord na Móna to deliver an extensive multi-annual programme of rehabilitation of the company’s land bank. My Department and Bord na Móna are progressing the necessary measures, including funding, to facilitate the advanced rehabilitation of 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna bog previously harvested for peat used in electricity generation, commencing this year. I expect this work to be completed shortly.