Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for clarity on when we will see the mid-term review, which was due in quarter 1 of 2022. I am concerned about the reference to the operator, if it intends to sell, charge or carry out any development, being required to provide substitute lands with equivalent benefits because this site is already proving its value. Even if the national peatlands strategy is a living document, principle 16 states "cutaway bogs that flood naturally ... be permitted to flood unless there is a clear environmental and/or economic case to maintain pumped drainage". In addition, principle 18 states, "Environmentally, socially and economically viable options should be analysed to plan the future use of industrial cutaway[s] ... in conjunction with limiting factors as outlined in Bord na Móna’s Strategic Framework for the Future Use of Peatlands".It is concerning if there is any hint that Bord na Móna will just substitute this location with another location because all we need to do is stop the pumping of the water. This site is an amenity for the local community and its biodiversity is thriving. That is a concern for me.