7.12.7 Peatlands – Comments on EC P17, EC O51 and EC O56
We note the references throughout the draft plan to the preparation of a comprehensive after use framework plan for the industrial peatlands and associated infrastructure, in particular the inclusion of Policy EC P17 and Objective EC O51.
Bord na Móna published its first long-term land use strategy, Strategic Framework for the Future use of Peatlands in 2011. Much of the strategy outlined in this framework document still holds true and is relevant; however, with the significant and accelerated change that has taken place in the intervening period and with the emergence and identification of new potential future land uses, we have engaged in a review of this framework. As outlined previously the Bord na Móna landholding is a land resource of national significance that offers a range of opportunities and options for new beneficial uses. It is clear that these lands have the potential to support national policy objectives across a range of sectors including rural development and employment, renewable energy, recreation and tourism, and biodiversity. We expect to publish a revision of the Strategic Framework in 2022 and it will be made available to stakeholders.
Section 7.12.7 of the draft plan also states that “The Council considers that there is significant potential to develop a Green Energy Hub in County Kildare, which focuses on the higher order aspects of the industry such as research, new technologies, headquarter development, assembly, maintenance and financing”. Bord na Móna supports this policy and would like to make reference to the Learning Hub installed at the Mountlucas Wind Farm visitor centre as an example of such an initiative. This hub contains a series of interactive hands-on activities based around wind energy and technology and is an example of how other beneficial uses can be integrated successfully with wind energy developments.
The Draft CDP lists a number of objectives and specific projects that can be undertaken in County Kildare to help achieve a low carbon climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. Many of these objectives are aligned with the objectives of the ‘Strategic Framework for the Future Use of Peatlands’[1] document and our ongoing transition to diversify into new sustainable business areas in order to strengthen the company and support jobs in the midlands into the future.
Central to this sustainable transition is the use of Bord na Móna’s land bank for a range of beneficial commercial, environmental and social uses such as renewable energy, industrial uses (including but not limited to data centres), biomass cultivation, ecosystem services and biodiversity as well as recreation and tourism. In many cases these uses can be co-located thereby providing enhanced benefits to the areas in which such developments are located
7.12.7 Peatlands – Comments on EC A7– National Peatlands Park
As outlined previously, Bord na Móna note the inclusion of Action EC A7 [in addition to Objective RE O127 in Chapter 4] with respect to proposals for a New National Peatlands Park on Bord na Móna cutaway bogs in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. Bord na Móna are happy to support the development of peatlands park and to engage with the relevant stakeholders as required where proposals are compatible with our integrated land-use strategy (such as renewables, industrial, forestry, biodiversity and ecosystem services, amenity and tourism), which supports other national and regional polices and maximises the overall potential of the land-bank.
The Bord na Móna land bank provides a unique opportunity to develop a range of beneficial commercial, environmental and social uses across the midlands. It is important however to note that in every instance, future climate action projects and renewable energy developments are considered a precursor to the development of amenity and to land use plans
[1] Bord na Móna Strategic Framework - Future Use of the Peatlands is under review and to be published in 2022