The South Antrim MLA said: “I'm pleased that the Executive finally approved the Peatlands Strategy, brought forward by Alliance Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir.  I have long called for a Peatland Strategy and its publication marks a significant milestone for Northern Ireland on the road to restoring our vitally important peatland habitats.

“In Northern Ireland, these ecosystems have been extensively damaged over time. Currently, 86 percent of our peatlands are under threat from pressures such as overgrazing, drainage, and burning, which have caused significant harm. This new strategy sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions to tackle the pressures impacting on our peatlands and enable restoration. 

“Restoring our peatlands to healthy functioning habitats will help lock away carbon, supporting the delivery of our climate targets.  Healthy peatlands will also enhance water quality as they act as natural filters, reducing the amount of nutrients and phosphates entering our water bodies, and helping to improve the quality of our lakes and rivers. They also offer protection against flooding whilst providing a home for threatened species. 

“Ongoing partnership is key to realising the ambition of the strategy.  The Alliance Party welcomes this crucial step, and looks forward to working constructively with other parties and Executive Ministers to gain support for Alliance's ambitious plans and proposals to better protect and restore our natural environment.”