Dr. Catherine Farrell:

The first thing to remember regarding the timelines for rewetting and the associated carbon benefits is that most peatlands in Ireland are drained and are emitting carbon. Rewetting studies undertaken to date have shown we can reduce the carbon emissions. It will take time for these sites to revert to being carbon sinks. Reducing emissions is better than allowing things to just happen anyway. In the meantime, let us look at all the other benefits and co-benefits that go along with that rewetting in respect of water and biodiversity.

That brings me to the question regarding cranes. This is a fantastic development. All along the Shannon corridor the habitat is evolving and emerging for this iconic species. When I was working in Bord na Móna on restoration, there was great engagement and excitement from the Golden Eagle Trust and BirdWatch Ireland regarding the potential for all these Shannon bogs to become a hotspot for ecotourism. That prospect was discussed at the time and Bord na Móna was interested. Looking right along that Shannon corridor, it is a wetlands wilderness park, as John Feehan described it so eloquently 20 years ago. These ideas have been around for some time but they must be explored seriously because these are the types of initiatives that create sustainable jobs for local people. Large-scale projects such as wind farms do not really sustain local populations and communities whereas ecotourism projects would.

On the horticultural issue, we do not have an alternative to peat at this time. We must find whatever is going to replace peat. I am aware that Bord na Móna had some great trials on developing alternatives. That must be brought back on to the research agenda because we cannot continue to use peat. It just makes no sense, so we must research the alternatives.