Michael Healy-Rae has defended proposals to plant trees on peatlands and expand Ireland's gas infrastructure, saying both are needed to meet climate targets in a "real world" context.
Speaking on Upfront with Katie Hannon, the Kerry TD said his department was examining whether afforestation on peatland could help the country reach its reforestation goals — despite current policy prohibiting planting on deep peat due to environmental concerns.
"Growing trees is one of the best ways we can store carbon," the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said.
"Yes – digging or draining deep peat ground release carbon, so what we have to do is we have to rely on science. I’m relying on science and my department is spending €2.7m on trying to ensure that we can look at peaty ground," he said.
Mr Healy-Rae added that if Ireland is to hit its target of 8,000 hectares of new planting per year, "we have to plant ground that has peat on it," and said the approach was about using land to its "best potential".
"This Government has something called common sense. It’s living in the real world," Mr Healy-Rae added.
Watch: Upfront with Katie Hannon's discussion on energy security
His comments mark a significant shift from the existing national forestry strategy, which prohibits afforestation on deep peatland due to the risk of carbon loss and biodiversity harm.
Environmental consultant, author and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna challenged the proposal, saying peatlands are vital carbon sinks that should be protected not planted over.
"The real world is deteriorating before our very eyes because of climate change. We’re increasing our carbon emissions and burning fossil fuels is doing this," Ms Ní Lamhna said.
"Burning fossil fuels and disrupting ecosystems is doing this. How can I look my grandchildren in the eye and say, 'We let it happen on our watch’?" she added.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council also issued a statement strongly opposing the proposed change in policy, warning of "severe environmental consequences" and potential breaches of biodiversity and climate commitments.
Energy security
The minister also addressed energy security, defending plans to expand gas infrastructure as part of what he called a pragmatic approach to meeting Ireland's climate and energy needs.
Planning approval was granted in March for a 600-megawatt gas-fired power plant and battery storage facility in Tarbert, Co Kerry — a development now facing a legal challenge from Friends of the Irish Environment.
The proposed site is in Mr Healy-Rae’s constituency and he defended the project as a common-sense measure to boost energy security. Critics argue the facility would import fracked gas, which is banned from production in Ireland due to environmental concerns.
"So, it’s OK for us to bring gas from England or through France, but at the same time if we want to do something for ourselves, we can’t do that at all?" Mr Healy-Rae said.
He also criticised past Green Party energy policies, pointing to the use of imported biomass in the midlands.
"You brought it from Brazil — that type of mad environmental policy is crazy."
Former oil executive Brian Ó Catháin added that fracked gas is already being imported indirectly through the UK interconnector.
"We’ve been bringing in fracked gas for many years," Mr Ó Catháin said.
Ireland is among the most energy import-dependent countries in the EU, with 78.5% of its energy needs met by imports in 2023.
It is also one of just five EU countries without domestic gas storage — a situation flagged as a "considerable risk" if either of Ireland's two undersea gas pipelines from Britain were to be disrupted.
In March, the Government approved a State-led floating Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal to act as a strategic reserve, with enough storage to supply 200,000 homes for six months.
However, former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan told Upfront with Katie Hannon that further LNG capacity is unnecessary.
"We looked at every eventuality… and I came to the view that with battery storage, further interconnection, and converting stations like Moneypoint and Tarbert, we don’t need LNG for energy security — and we certainly don’t need it for additional gas-fired power."
He said his government aimed to move Ireland away from fossil fuel dependency entirely.
"When we were in charge, we moved on from burning peat for our needs to fuels that give us real protection."
Mr Healy-Rae accused the previous government of unrealistic expectations.
"If we don't plant trees, what we’ll do is have the Eamon Ryan policy: we won’t have them at all ourselves, but we’ll import them from Scotland."
Ms Ní Lamhna pushed back, urging longer-term thinking.
"Surely, we have the wit to think of other ways? We need to futureproof the country — not double down on what’s caused the problem."
Upfront with Katie Hannon airs Mondays at 10.35pm on RTÉ One and on the RTÉ Player.
