Dr. Catherine Farrell:

Yes. On the question about research on peatlands and systems in general, the current research I am involved in is about mapping out the data gaps in terms of assessing ecosystems. The first gap is that we do not have a national peatland ecosystem map. We have indicators of where peatlands might be. The second gap is that we do not even know what depth of peat we have across our peatlands. In the 1940s and 1950s there were peatland research centres across Ireland because value was seen in understanding our peatlands, what they were doing and how we could use them to the best effect. For us to focus our research, time and energy now, it would be on what the services are, what values and benefits we can receive from restoring our peatlands, how they work and how we can restore the peatland system to work with freshwater systems, and also in line with all the work Mr. Purser spoke about in terms of restoring post forestry.

We would know nothing without research. In terms of its strategic alignment, it has been somewhat ad hocto date and quite reliant on the interest of a few researchers in Ireland, who really lack support and have to compete for grants as they arise. From a peatland perspective, given their role in 20% of the landscape, the water benefits and all the things relating to water quality and the provision of water and supporting our biodiversity targets, we must have a more strategic and holistic view.