Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

A good case could be made for conserving bogs because they are important to biodiversity and act as carbon sinks. This Government has done more than any previous one to designate bogs for protection. However, Deputy Gilmore's proposal could be very expensive. Who would explain to the workers in the two newly constructed peat power stations in the midlands why they are losing their jobs? What would be the implications for our security of energy supply of putting all our eggs in one basket? These power stations have been included in Ireland's emissions projections and they have the potential for being used for the co-generation of energy using bio-crops. I acknowledge that peat bogs are important for biodiversity and as carbon sinks, but I am also conscious of their economic importance. What about domestic turf burning? Would anybody in this House really be happy to ban turf cutting, which is part of the way of life in many midland and western counties?

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