AQW 19883/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 03/06/2021
Answered On Date: 17/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the development of a resilient peatland programme.

Answer:

I have just launched the consultation on the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy 2021-2040.

Officials within NIEA have initiated the development of a Resilient Peatland Programme including the internal governance and structure arrangements of the Programme in support of the aims of the Peatland Strategy.

Resources to develop early stages of peatland resilience work were secured through Green Growth funding. Much of this funding will be spent this year though the Environmental Challenge Fund. Applications are currently under assessment.