AQW 4249/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 07/10/2022
Answered On Date: 17/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 2934/22-27 and given that the publication of the Peatland Strategy will require Executive approval, what impact will the absence of an Executive have on peatland restoration in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The publication of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy will require Executive approval. Whilst it is anticipated that several actions in the draft Strategy could progress in the absence of the Executive, a number are likely to require cross Government agreement to implement.

My Officials are continuing to support ongoing peatland restoration projects in Northern Ireland, which may complement the Peatland Strategy Implementation Plan when it has received Executive approval.