P r e s s R e l e a s e

BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU

For immediate release 17 October 1996

The gross overstocking of sheep on blanket bogs in the west of Ireland is seriously threatening the future of these unique wildlife habitats.

A report entitled the Irish Peatland Conservation Plan 2000 prepared by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (see Editors Note 1)- indicates that a total of 54,220ha of peatland in 45 natural heritage areas have been damaged by overgrazing and a further five sites have been driven to extinction (see Editor's Note 2). The sites span the west coast of Ireland in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Kerry.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council have been monitoring some of these sites since the 1980's - in that time the Department of Agriculture have failed to take preventive measures to stop damage.

The explosion in sheep numbers to 8.9 million in 1991 has resulted in extensive overgrazing problems in peatland areas. This causes a loss of characteristic and rare flora, birds and fauna, as well as physical erosion of the peat from the bogs.

The core of the problem lies in the Department of Agricultures recommended stocking level of 1.7 sheep per hectare on blanket bogs all year round. At this level, sheep grazing is not sustainable and the bogs are being driven to extinction. Similar sites in the UK are stocked at 0.25 sheep per hectare in summer only.

"The situation has not arisen overnight, but has been getting progressively worse" says Peter Foss who added that "The Department of Agriculture have never imposed Environmental Restrictions on the payments to farmers. This situation cannot be allowed to continue any longer".

To try and rectify this problem, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council are calling on both the Department of Agriculture to introduce greater environmental safeguards in relation to the sheep headage payment scheme and on the EU to become more accountable for the environmental damage that is being caused by the funds they are making available to Irish farming.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Plan 2000 is available for £15.00 inclusive of P&P, from the IPCC, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1.

EDITOR'S NOTE 1: The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a national charity and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions. Conservation projects include: purchasing bogland nature reserves, providing resources and training for teachers and education groups, repairing damaged bogs, fostering a positive attitude towards bogs, and encouraging lifestyles in harmony with the environment. The IPCC can be contacted at: Capel Chambers, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-872 2397. Registered Charity Number: CHY6829

EDITOR'S NOTE 2: Peatland sites damaged and/OR without conservation value due to SHEEP Overgrazing in Ireland 1996

Information sequrence: Site, County, Area (ha), Natural Heritage Area Number.

Altaconey MO 1,195 459; Ardbane DL 125 172; Arderrynagleera G 106 -----; Arduns Bog DL 16 1088; Ballycroy MO 137 -----; Bellacorrick Bog Complex MO 1,374 1922; Caha Mountains KY 2,500 93; Clare Island MO 832 477; Cloghbolie DL 500 142; Cloghernagore Bog & Glenveagh National Park DL 3,324 2047; Coguish Bog DL 513 1938; Comeragh Mountains WD 250 1952; Connemara Bog Complex G 2177 2034; Coolvoy DL 128 1107; Croaghonagh DL 65 129; Cronaguiggy DL 142 1176; Derriscligh DL 279 1114; Drumeasan DL 148 1122; Durlough/Leamgowra DL 20 190; Garroman G 327 1234; Glenamoy Bog Complex MO 4,647 500; Glenturk MO 290 476; Kealariddig KY 47 -----; Killarney N.P./Magillycuddy Reeks/Caragh River KY 1,238 365; Kylemore G 43 2031; Lagduff East MO 350 ------; Lagduff West MO 100 ------; Loughatorick South CE 230 308; Lough Fad DL 398 1159; Lough Gall Bog MO 320 522; Lough Hoe MO 1,418 633; Lough Nabrickkeagh SO 458 634; Lough Nillan Bog DL 800 165; Magheradrumman DL 181 168; Maumtrasna Mountain Complex G 8,500 735; Meenagrillagh DL 592 197; Meentygrannagh DL 63 173; Meenybraddan DL 32 1177; Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex MO 4,309 1932; Owenduff/Nephin Complex MO 5,530 534; Ox Mountains Bogs SO/MO 4,704 2006; Pettigo Plateau/Dunragh DL 1,286 1125; Pollatomish MO 1,000 1548; Quarryfield West Turlough SO 30 1901; Slieve Fyagh MO 1,500 542; Slieve League DL 88 189; Tamur Bog DL 605 1992; Tooreenacoona G 450 2008; Tullaghan MO 213 1567; Ummerantarry MO 640 1570.

Total 50 sites 54,220ha

EDITOR'S NOTE 3: The work of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council is supported by the FÁS Community Employment Program.

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