Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

290. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the progress made in implementing the actions of the working paper to address challenges related to peat supply in the horticulture sector by timeframe, short, medium and long-term in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52143/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The working paper referred to by the Deputy was published on the 20^thof January 2022, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Housing).

It outlines a series of actions to support the horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.  

The aim was to address the short-term issue of supply, the medium term of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives.

Short term action for DAFM– peat supply

Mr. Séamus Boland was commissioned to carry out a report on peat supply. A final version of his report has been received by my Department and is due for publication shortly.

Medium term action for DAFM– access to peat

Mr. Des Johnson and Padraic Thornton were commissioned to carry out a report on the planning requirements regarding sub-30 hectare bogs. A final report of this work has been received by my Department and will be published shortly.

Longer Term Action for DAFM- Research into alternatives to peat

€1.69 million was awarded by DAFM to a research project ‘Beyond Peat’. The project is co-ordinated by Teagasc Horticultural Development Department, with project partners across Ireland. The project aims to identify full and partial replacements for peat within professional horticulture. The project is progressing well and to schedule and will run from 2022 to 2027.  

Separately, research projects on peat alternatives continue to be funded through the EU producer organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables by my Department. Trials are ongoing in this area, and the results are promising.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Delivery of the Green Cert in the agricultural colleges is an operational matter for Teagasc, who have responsibility for the provision of research, training and advisory services to the agriculture and food industry.

Accordingly, the questions raised by the Deputy have been referred to Teagasc for direct reply.