Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticulture Industry: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. John Neenan:

Certainly, it would supply the Irish horticultural market. It would also be a win-win for everyone in Government as well. There would be no more large-scale bog harvesting. There would be a commitment to rewet those areas. Obviously, we would have to discuss the possibility of getting funding to do that. Bord na Móna got its €108 million. Certainly, it would be a condition that that would be done. That would ensure the provision of sufficient peat for the Irish horticultural market. I wish to put on record that GMI is fully committed to moving away from peat. We expect that certainly by 2030, and probably before that, the same as in the mushroom industry. Most of Westland's hobby product is now well over 60% peat-free. Klassmann-Deilmann's product is between 25% to 30% peat-free. It is a massive change. That will allow the industry, the growers and the mushroom industry to survive and continue to prosper until we have 100% alternatives.