Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The extraction of peat does not fall under the remit of my Department. However, my Department in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications and Housing, Local Government and Heritage has developed a series of actions to support the horticulture sector as it transitions to sustainable alternatives.

These targeted actions reflect the multi-faceted nature of the problem and seek to address the short-term issue of supply, the medium term one of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives.

My Department commissioned an independent expert to carry out a report on peat supply for the horticulture industry in Ireland. This report identified a number of recommendations to alleviate issues with regards to supply of peat which are being considered across government.

My Department also commissioned experts to provide focused guidance to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for extraction of horticultural peat on sub-30 hectare bogs for supply to the domestic horticulture industry. This guidance together with earlier guidance published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Parks and Wildlife Service should assist stakeholders wishing to become legally compliant and all stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the regulatory framework in place.

The report and guidance were published in November 2022 and are available on www.gov.ie

To support and facilitate research into the development of alternatives to peat for horticultural use, my Department committed €1.69 million to a five-year research project entitled ‘Beyond Peat’ which is being led and co-ordinated by Teagasc. My Department is also funding research projects through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables.

As the Deputy is aware my Department recently facilitated a site visit for Committee members of the Joint Oireachtas on Agriculture Food and the Marine at two Mushroom farms in County Monaghan to see first hand the research that is being funded and administered by my Department on peat alternatives.