Ministers say no to converting bogs into cannabis farms
Photo: Ed Rosenthal
Ministers say no to converting bogs into cannabis farms
Words: Katie Gartland
Their “Brown to Green” strategy to switch to a low-carbon, sustainable business model will not include “green” for now.
Last year, Bord na Móna held talks over the future of Ireland’s bogs. In their ‘brown to green’ strategy, they proposed cannabis farms in place of turf in order to switch to a lower carbon business model.
Bord na Móna were in talks with then Minister for Health Simon Harris about using the land for medicinal cannabis, which has a wide range of health and pain relief benefits.
The board has since decided to shelve the plan in order to prioritise other short term projects, like re-wettting bogs, to sustain jobs.
A feasibility study was launched to investigate whether farming cannabis could replace turf-cutting. It was ordered with Bord Na Móna’s “Brown to Green” strategy in mind. It will see a switch to a low-carbon, sustainable business model.
