Dr. Mark McCorry:

On the question of rewetting, the Bord na Móna definition is very much aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition outlined by Dr. Wilson. It is really about trying to bring the water levels back to the surface of the peat. Regarding what we are trying to do with rehabilitation, we are trying to stabilise the water levels at the surface of the peat to create soggy peatland conditions. If we can keep those conditions relatively stable during the year, we are going to reduce carbon emissions significantly.

Obviously, we are going to rewet the residual peat in the ground and maintain it in the ground. This will also encourage natural colonisation of vegetation. Mr. Curley referred to putting the skin back on the bog. That is very much aligned with what we wish to do in terms of peatland rehabilitation. Our approach is to try to rewet the peat because our 40 years' experience of peatland rehabilitation tells us that rewetting the peat encourages and accelerates natural colonisation such that we get that skin coming back. As an ecologist, I want to see the bog cotton and the bog mosses appearing. In particular, where possible, we do not wish to see indicators of drier conditions in the context of trees and so on.

If we do not carry out this rehabilitation or rewet the peatland, we will have continued carbon emissions from these bogs and will see continued erosion of peat and faster movement of water through the drains. The rewetting is a very important and ambitious project in the context of Ireland's climate action objectives. It will be very significant in that regard. The project is very much about supporting the Government's climate action strategy. It will have other benefits in the context of other ecosystem services. In terms of biodiversity, it will create new habitats for the various species that depend on peatlands. It will be very important for water attenuation and so on.

Another very important point that has been made during this session is that each bog is different. In Bord na Móna, we have a wide range of environmental conditions. On the issue of rewetting, while we would like to restore bog where possible, that will not be possible for many bogs where the majority of the peat has been cut away. In such situations, the best outcomes are to try to develop other habitats. Our objective in that regard is to rewet the peat but look for emerging vegetation. We will see a mosaic of wetlands and bog woodland in those situations, particularly where there are different environmental conditions.

I hope that summarises what rewetting means. I reiterate that Bord na Móna has been doing this for approximately 30 years. I am sure many members are familiar with the Lough Boora Discovery Park, for example. We have carried out a significant of rewetting there with no significant issues for neighbouring landowners.