Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021 would temporarily allow peat extraction for horticulture to continue in exceptional circumstances, because the explanatory memorandum says there are currently no proven, affordable and sustainable alternatives available. It would suspend normal planning and enforcement hurdles for this activity for a set period, while still requiring operators to seek environmental licences and while not affecting peat used for other purposes, such as energy. The measure matters because it aims to prevent shortages of growing material for the horticulture sector and to give time for a fair transition to other options.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2021 and the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 2011 to make exceptional provision for peat extraction for the purpose of horticulture for a temporary period in the public interest in order to mitigate the adverse consequences resulting, or likely to result from an interruption to supply and to provide for a just transition.

Last updated 28 March 2025