The Peat Problem

Bogs and Fens are not only home to a rich variety of plant life but also rare dragonflies, butterflies and birds. They are made up of about 90% water; so act like giant sponges. Peatlands also store carbon, removed from the atmosphere over thousands of years, as un-decomposed plant remains which form peat. They therefore act as large carbon sinks for greenhouse gases. Peatlands are also treasure troves of natural and man-made artifacts dating back 10,000 years.

More than 80% of Ireland's bogs and fens have been destroyed or damaged - drained and converted to farmland, infilled for housing developments and
industrial facilities, ploughed and planted under exotic conifers, mined and bagged for gardeners.

This wanton destruction of our peatland heritage and resources has to be stopped. Users of peat must be convinced that peatlands are worth protecting and should be used wisely. This will involve developing a new vision for the future of our bogs and fens which will change attitudes and behaviour that go against conservation and wise use. The vision will be formulated by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and published in the Irish Bogs and Fens Conservation Plan 2005.