Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir:

I thank Deputy Farrell very much for the questions. He highlighted some of the real challenges that are ahead in delivering the carbon budgets. As the Chairman outlined, some of these are policy questions and beyond the remit of the committee's work. I will give some reflections and ask Dr. Daly if she wishes to answer the energy question. Dr. Hanrahan and Dr. Styles can respond on afforestation.

This is more of a reflection than an answer to the question on the wind energy sector being capable of ramping up. We might look at what we have achieved in the last 15 years in the electricity sector. Between 2005 and 2020, electricity demand grew by approximately 18%, while the emissions associated with electricity generation decreased by 46%.

We have done something phenomenal in this country in terms of the rapid development, deployment and integration of wind energy into our power system. I remember the conversations before 2005 when the targets were being set and the same types of questions were arising on whether wind could be ramped up. The evidence has shown that when the policy is clear, there is a good integration between that policy, the signs around what is required and the engineering to deliver it and there is also a public appetite, we can achieve great things.

Perhaps Dr. Daly can address the energy question and Dr. Hanrahan and Dr. Styles can respond on land use. I am not sure if the peat extraction comment required an answer. As I said, I think it reflects some of the challenges but others may want to answer that one as well.