Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know that Senator Grace O'Sullivan will return to this issue when she returns to the House, but others were clear that there had been a long process. There has been a substantial 12 year consultation process involving a large number of factors and conversations on raised bogs. It is not that it is inconsistent, but perhaps, with due respect, it is irresponsible, having had a 12 year process in respect of raised bogs, with long consultations and processes, to then simply throw in blanket bogs. I know that the Minister of State spoke about the matter on Second Stage. He said it had been discussed on Committee Stage in the Dáil when I know the proposals were made. However, proposals being made on Committee Stage in the Dáil is not the same as engaging in public consultation or having a considered review with stakeholders. It is not the same as monitoring work. In no way does a brief Committee Stage discussion in which the inclusion of blanket bogs was proposed and rejected by the Minister run parallel with a12 year consultation process in respect of raised bogs. I am not saying we need a 12 year consultation process, but we need a consultation process. Frankly, it would be irresponsible to allow blanket bogs to be included without having one.

We really will be pressing and fighting this. Even those who are advocates of some of the proposals made in respect of raised bogs are rightly concerned about the inclusion of blanket bogs which form a different kind of environment, about which they have other environmental concerns. We know that blanket bogs are crucial, not only for carbon sequestration. I will be bringing forward several proposals if blanket bogs stay within the Bill. They are also crucial as flood plains and for water retention. They are crucial in dealing with some of the impacts of climate change. We talked about the mitigation role they can play in carbon sequestration, but there is also a major adaptation role for them as they are particular environments. The work has not been done to include blanket bogs in this legislation, to which they do not belong. It is like adding apples on top of oranges. If they are different, they require the application of different considerations and thoughts. We simply cannot add in another thing at the end. This is too serious and important a process for that to happen.

We recognise the integral keystone habitat among Ireland's native flora and fauna. A total of 49% of all endangered species are to be found in peatlands. The Minister of State mentioned some of the later processes - we will come to this issue when we come to the environmental criteria to be considered - but they are really not adequate. The environmental criteria to be considered in the potential de-designation of blanket bogs include the conservation value of a blanket bog, taking into account a comparison made between its area, range, habitat, structure, function and ecological features and those of one or more blanket bogs elsewhere. We are saying we are definitely going to de-designate some blanket bogs and that it will be a question of the weakest link in determining which one is for the chop. That is what is set out as the environmental criterion and it is deeply inadequate. At least in the case of raised bogs there is reference to range, habitat, structure, function and ecological features. I still believe it is inadequate, but at least they get a mention. With blanket bogs, it is a question of picking the least favoured and deciding that is the one to be de-designated.

I know that many other parties represented in the House are supporting the Bill overall, but I hope they will engage with us and at least consider the removal of blanket bogs. The work has not been done in advance and it has not been done in this legislation. Senator Grace O’Sullivan has made proposals for the removal of blanket bogs. I may come with a different approach to the removal of blanket bogs, but I am keen to indicate that it really is a problem. I urge the Minister of State to revise and reconsider the matter, perhaps in subsequent legalisation designed more for this purpose and with an appropriate range of criteria relevant to engagin in public consultation on blanket bogs. That might be a better approach to take to the inclusion of blanket bogs.