Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if turf is defined as an agricultural product in the context of his Department; and if he will outline any plans to develop the sector in the current economic situation. [20121/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am not aware of any statute which defines turf as an agricultural product.

The Turf Development Acts, 1946 to 1998 provide for the statutory role and functions of Bord na Móna plc. Section 17(1)(b) of the 1946 Turf Development Act 1946 assigns to Bord na Móna the function of fostering the production and use of turf and turf products.

Given the finite nature of the turf resources available to it, Bord na Móna has adopted the 'A New Contract with Nature' strategy which seeks to transform the Group into a sustainable provider of goods and services in the electricity, horticulture, heat, feedstock, clean air and clean water and waste management markets.

A key element of this strategy involves securing appropriate and sustainable uses of Bord na Móna's peatlands, which to date have been primarily used for peat harvesting for energy and for horticulture growing media.

Over one-fifth of such landholdings are already committed to future uses that include forestry, tourism and amenity, industry and infrastructure, aggregate production, water storage and wind energy. In addition, some peatlands have been conserved for their high biodiversity value.