Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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127. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in implementing the working paper to address challenges related to peat supply in the horticultural sector; and his proposals to ensure an adequate supply of horticultural peat to the mushroom sector. [53091/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The working paper, the Deputy refers to, outlined a series of actions to support horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.The aim of these actions is to address the short-term issue of supply, the medium-term issue of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives for all sectors within horticulture, including mushrooms.

Short term actions

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

Addressing a separate short-term action, a guidance document on the regulatory framework for peat extraction has been published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Guide can be found on gov.ie.

Medium term actions

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 Actions

My Department continues to support and facilitate research in the development of alternatives to peat for horticulture and €1.69 million was awarded in funding for research into peat alternatives last year. This is a significant step in assisting the horticulture sector transition from peat as a growing media. The project is progressing well and to schedule.

Separately, my Department continues to approve funding for research projects on peat alternatives under the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables. Trials are ongoing and the results are promising.