Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Questions (56)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

56. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of the development of an evaluation approach for the carbon capture of OPW-managed peatlands, woodlands, wetlands and other semi-natural habitats compared with the carbon footprint of delivering OPW services in heritage, property and flooding, as outlined in action 4. 6 of the Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30963/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Office of Public Works has established two co-ordinated programmes of work to tackle this matter. The Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026 sets out the OPW’s intention for protecting, promoting and enhancing biodiversity across its operations.

As noted by the Deputy, Action 4.6 seeks to explore the role of OPW managed parklands and woodlands in carbon capture relative to the carbon footprint of delivering OPW’s services. The OPW has established a Climate Action Unit, which is aimed at the further decarbonisation of OPW activities across all areas of the organisation. Amongst other actions, this Unit aims to understanding the overall carbon footprint created in delivering the organisation's activities.

At present, the Biodiversity Action Strategy Steering Group is developing a scope of services to develop a carbon capture calculator for all OPW managed lands. It is envisaged that this calculator will enable a quantitative understanding of carbon capture and carbon generation. The timeline of this project is for delivery by the end of 2024.