The Environmental Protections Agency's National Inventory Report 2020 sets out emissions from different land use sectors. While wetlands, which cover areas used for peat production, was a net emitter of approximately 1.5 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2018, bog rehabilitation and restoration will play a key role in tackling our climate and biodiversity challenges in the coming decades.
To support the role of peatlands in providing nature-based solutions to tackle climate change the Government, in November 2020, approved funding of up to €108m for Bord Na Móna's Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme. This scheme will support a just transition in the Midlands region, while protecting the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and avoiding the release of a further 3.2m tonnes out to 2050; enhance biodiversity; and contribute to Ireland's objective of being climate-neutral by 2050.
My Department has no direct role in relation to the horticulture sector, including the sourcing of peat or peat products for the sector. However, a working group is being established by the Minister of State for Heritage and Local Government Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine the future role of peat and the use of peat alternatives in the horticulture sector.
