Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 3, lines 23 to 26, to delete all words from and including “and” in line 23 down to and including “(a))” in line 26.

I thank the Minister of State for being here. I am moving this group of amendments on behalf of my colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, who cannot be here today. Her amendments all aim to limit the scope of the proposed review in order to better protect our natural bog habitats from being de-designated as NHAs. We are opposed to any regressive steps to de-designate these bogs due to their important role as our largest natural carbon sinks and the massive part they will play in helping Ireland to meet its climate action targets under various international and EU climate agreements. These bogs are resources of incredible natural, historical, environmental and cultural value and any review of their special recognised status as such should be approached with the greatest caution, care and respect for their environmental role in contributing to the Irish efforts on climate change, an approach which is sadly lacking in this Bill.

Amendment No. 2 seeks to remove section 18A(1)(b) which opens up raised and blanket bogs to potential de-designation while amendments Nos. 3 and 4 would limit the scope of the proposed review by only allowing it to apply to raised bogs and excluding blanket bogs from the process. Amendment No. 21 would also remove blanket bogs from the review process while amendment No. 25 makes a consequential amendment to the Title of the Bill, making it clear that the review would only apply to raised bogs. I hope the Minister of State will give these amendments favourable consideration.