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Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Ceisteanna (128)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

128. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a fasttrack one-stop-shop framework for planning and licensing as was recommended by the Just Transition Commissioner in his progress report dated April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52100/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I take it that the question refers to a consent system for peat extraction. Commercial peat extraction is subject to a dual consent process requiring planning permission and, for sites over 50 hectares, an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There has been a history of widespread non-compliance with this dual consent process, with many operators in the sector lacking planning permission and / or an IPC licence. 

Following a 2019 High Court judgment which re-affirmed, inter alia, that commercial peat extraction absent planning permission constitutes unauthorised development, the onus has been on operators to first regularise their activities via the planning system and then secure the necessary licenses before any recommencement can take place. 

The State cannot simply remove the requirement for operators to regularise their past unauthorised development, as this requirement is derived from EU law, and I believe the quickest route to regularisation is through engagement with the existing consent system rather than through the establishment of a new one.

Insofar as this issue relates to the use of peat for horticultural purposes, that matter is being considered by a working group established by Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

More generally, the upcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 will contain a specific chapter on just transition for the Midlands region and will address the Programme for Government commitment to prepare an implementation plan in response to the recommendations contained in the Commissioner’s reports. The Climate Action Plan is due to be published in the coming weeks.

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