Ministers in the Department of Agriculture , Food , and the Marine have today announced a series of action to tolerate Irish horticultural agriculturalist who are dependent on peat .
This follows the publication of the Final Report of the Working Group on the Use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry . The Working Group on the Use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry was established follow a series of High Court decisions that make up one’s mind that large - weighing machine peat harvesting need plan permit and licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency . The Working Group was tasked in especial with examining the potential of choice to peat for the horticultural diligence . While the sphere is place to transition away from peat , this is not potential in the inadequate condition .
Against this background , the Department of Agriculture , Food and the Marine ( DAFM ) has worked with the Departments of Environment , Climate and Communications ( DECC ) , and Housing , Local Government and Heritage ( Housing ) , to originate proposal that include:• the commissioning of an independent expert to tax levels and suitability of current broth of peat across all provider , let in Bord na Móna , for the Irish horticultural sector;• the commissioning of experts on be after to provide free advice to those who wish to extract peat in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulation on sub-30 hectare bog ; and• research to cede choice to peat for the horticulture sector .
The ultimate ambition of this physical exertion is to support the € 469 million horticulture manufacture , the people employed , and the many family that depend on this important sector .
Referring to the position faced by Irish growers , the Minister for Agriculture , Food and the Marine , Charlie McConalogue T.D. said : Ministers Hackett , Heydon , and I are very mindful that there are no simple-minded solution here , but we are committed to exploring every opportunity to facilitate the current difficultness for growers , their business organization , and their families . The horticulture sector is crucial for the agriculture industry and the overall economy . We are endeavoring to accost the brusk - term issue of provision , the average - term one of succeeding approach to peat , and also the longer - terminus issue of replacing with alternatives . We thank our Ministerial colleagues Eamon Ryan and Darragh O’Brien for their help in delivering a serial of actions to support this crucial sector . We also , of course of study , wish to give thanks Minister of State Malcolm Noonan for the study he did with the working group . ”
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