Mr. John McCarthy:

I thank the Senator for her questions. While there is probably a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine dimension to peatlands, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment takes the lead role in this respect. I do not doubt that the representatives of Bord na Móna who are due to come before the committee will have something to say about peatlands.

There are two elements to the question of flooding, the first of which relates to housing, commercial or other developments in areas of flood risk. The Office of Public Works is rolling out a significant programme of flood relief and flood protection works through its CFRAM programme.

Mr. Hogan will say a few words about development in areas which potentially are prone to flooding.