Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. He is right to raise this issue, whether it relates to Longford, Offaly, Kildare or any area with such a wealth of potential in their peatlands. We have to look at them all. I completely agree with the idea of encouraging schools and communities to visit such sites, not only for their cultural and historical significance but for their future biodiversity and ecosystem value for schools and children. We should do everything we can to encourage that. The knock-on effects in terms of tourism and in securing local jobs in managing those sites and venues will be very important. I fully agree with the Senator that it is something we need to look into. The €10 million in peatlands and people funding is around that subject area. If we can expand that, we should do it as best we can.