Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1321. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1034 of 13 July 2017, if there is a Government policy relating to the emissions of greenhouse gases from development sites on peatlands, including degraded peatlands to which planning authorities should have regard in assessing proposals for renewable energy or other developments. [36670/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the National Mitigation Plan, which I published on 19 July 2017, I am open to considering further work on the role of wetlands as carbon sinks in the context of the mitigation of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions. In order to build on the experience of research already undertaken, my Department intends to engage with a number of relevant Departments and Agencies on the development of a robust inventory which would form the foundation for any changes to the future role of wetland sites. It is, however, premature at this stage to indicate what role may be played by wetlands in terms of greenhouse gas mitigation by means of storing and sequestering carbon. Accordingly, the preparation of guidance in relation to the development of such sites is not being considered at this time.
