Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is impossible to know where to start as each subject here could merit a separate session. I will launch straight into my questions. I have specific questions for each witness, and I will start with Dr. Farrell. Her opening statement was quite strong. She said that peat and bog restoration could be the number one tool in the battle against climate change. I wish to delve into that a little further. Regarding timelines for rewetting bogs, what length of time does it take from beginning the process of rewetting a bog to getting a bog that is starting to perform and capture carbon and starting to resurge biodiversity?

Second, we have recently seen the news that cranes may potentially breed in a bog in County Offaly. I remember driving all the way to Wexford from west Cork to see my first crane in Tacumshin. With that reintroduction of wildlife, is there a socioeconomic potential benefit from the expansion of bogs and the biodiversity in nature that will flourish there? Have any studies been done of the potential economic value of tourism where there is a healthy bog?

My final question relates to horticultural peat. It is something we have to discuss. There is demand for horticultural peat and there is a shortage of it. The alternative that has been looked at is the import of horticultural peat, which one would imagine would leave quite a large carbon footprint. Could Dr. Farrell discuss that debate on what the right approach is for the provision of horticultural peat?

I have a brief question for Mr. Purser regarding monoculture plantations such as Sitka plantations. Could he comment on the carbon sequestration value of monoculture plantations? Is there any sequestration value compared with a mixed woodland? Will he comment on the biodiversity value of mixed woodland compared with the biodiversity value of, perhaps, a Sitka plantation. In addition-----