Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a report on Irish peatlands and climate change by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57392/21]
View answerOn 4 November 2021, the Government published the Climate Action Plan 2021. This plan sets out indicative ranges of emissions reductions for all sectors of the economy. It also sets out the practical policies and measures that we need to take to meet our climate targets. A call for expert evidence was conducted during the preparation of the Climate Action Plan asking climate scientists, experts and industry to share their data-based, technical proposals to support the development of the plan. Over 200 responses were received in relation to this strand, including from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. The Climate Action Plan recognises the importance of our peatlands to deliver a range of climate benefits. Actions to deliver this potential include:- Restoring and rewetting raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), as set out in the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, undertaken by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Such restoration measures, and hydrological management of our protected peatlands, will halt and reduce peat oxidation and carbon loss.- Undertaking further research to assess the potential to sequester, store and reduce emissions of carbon through the management, restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands, as outlined in the National Peatlands Strategy.- Upgrading land-use and habitat mapping systems to establish the baseline condition of wetlands, and inform the development of best-practice guidelines for wetland management, including the management of degraded sites and peatlands currently exploited for energy peat extraction.- Developing further measures to help rehabilitate exploited and degraded peatlands, including as part of national land-use planning and the new Common Agricultural Policy, and recognising that strategies may need to differ between regions.
