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Part of the Bog of Allen in Co. Kildare is to be Conserved

For Release: 24th February 2005

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) are delighted to announce the
acquisition of two peatland sites within the Bog of Allen, Co. Kildare - a
total of 32.5ha which they will be managing for nature conservation and
education.

The first of these sites is Lodge Bog, a refuge for raised bog flora and
fauna and a small piece of what the Bog of Allen once looked like before
drainage and turf cutting occurred.

The second site is Lullymore West a species-rich grassland which has
developed on bogland from which peat was extracted in the past. This is a
breeding site for the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a species which
is listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. This means that it has
been identified in Europe as a species in need of protection

Both sites were owned by Bord na M=F3na who have generously agreed to waive
any fee for the land purchase as their contribution to the project. Caroline
Hurley, Conservation Officer with IPCC said, "The Irish Peatland
Conservation Council are absolutely thrilled with this generous gesture from
Bord na Mona. Now we must develop and implement management plans for these
sites to ensure their long-term conservation. However, this will cost sixty
thousand euro and we have launched a fundraising campaign for the project".
Anyone who wishes to support this campaign can send donations to IPCC,
Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare or contact IPCC by telephone at
045-860133. The funds will be used to conduct research on the sites, to
develop management plans for their conservation, to fence them, to build
boardwalks for visitors and to erect information signs. A Dutch researcher
Ms Collette Coumans from Utrecht has joined the IPCC to assist with the
development of the conservation plan for the bogs. Ms Coumans says "that
bogs are a typical Irish landscape. It is a shame that they are threatened.
They should be conserved".

Dr. Catherine O'Connell, Chief Executive of IPCC said, "This is the first
time in six years that IPCC have acquired a bogland area for conservation.
Raised bogs are the most threatened peatland type in Ireland with over 90%
lost to drainage for turf extraction. This means that the conservation of
any remaining raised bog habitats and their heritage is extremely
important."

Both sites are located within 20 minutes walking distance from the Bog of
Allen Nature Centre, and will be used extensively in education and visitor
awareness programmes run at the centre. As Dr. O'Connell stated, "these
sites are steeped in history and culture and bursting with wildlife magic.
Please donate to IPCC and help us to save another two bogs for future
generations to enjoy. Their protection will be a significant boost to the
economy of West Kildare, providing a unique natural visitor attraction in
the area.

ENDS