Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
231. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if ahead of rewetting a bog (details supplied) under the Bord na Móna bog rehabilitation scheme, protective works can be undertaken at an important structure in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18756/21]
View answerThe Bord Na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme includes the provision of funding of €108 million for the implementation of the Scheme over a period of 5 years. The Scheme will, over time, employ 307 people, some of whom will be engaged on a seasonal basis, with 210 full time equivalents engaged over the delivery period. The scheme will encompass approximately 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna peatlands previously harvested for peat extraction for electricity generation. The Scheme will protect the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. It is estimated that over the period 2020 to 2050, 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided through the implementation of the Scheme. The enhanced improvements will also enrich the State’s natural capital, increase eco-system services, strengthen biodiversity, improve water quality and storage attenuation, develop the amenity potential of the peatlands as well as providing employment opportunities as part of a just transition in the Midlands. The funding of the Scheme is limited to the enhanced decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands previously harvested for electricity generation. Restoration works outside of these peatlands is not covered under the funding of the Scheme.
This is a matter that the Deputy may wish to take up directly with Bord na Móna, the relevant local authority or other development agencies in the area.
