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Peatland Specialists Call for Action On Midland Raised Bogs

For release 21 September 2001

Ireland's Midland Bogs were the topic of much discussion at a recent
conference organised by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC). The
objective of the conference was to formulate an action plan to ensure the
wise use of our midland raised bogs.

Over 100 representatives attended from many different organisations
including Bord na Móna, Coillte, Dúchas, Environment and Heritage Service
Northern Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, Teagasc and Environmental
NGOs.

The recommendations for the action plan are:

* There should be an integrated future land-use plan published by Bord na
Móna for each of the Raised Bogs in their ownership and local communities
should be involved in drafting these plans as the bogs are publicly owned.

* Dúchas, the Heritage Service should comply with the EU Habitats
Directive and designate further raised bogs as Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs).

* A major public awareness campaign should be undertaken by Dúchas so as
to inform the public of the significance, importance and value of Ireland's
remaining raised bogs and species.

* Steps should be taken to encourage the development of alternative
energy sources other than peat. The possibility of Wind energy on cutaway
bogs needs to be given serious consideration.

* The cross sector National Biodiversity Plan should be published
without delay and must include action plans to safeguard Ireland's peatland
biodiversity.

Dr Peter Foss Chairman of IPCC stated that it is his intention to bring
these recommendations to relevant Government Departments for immediate
action.

He suggested that local communities could make raised bogs an
election issue. He added that the issue regarding the future use of the
80,000ha of bogland in Bord na Móna ownership needs to be dealt with in a
strategic way to ensure the decisions made will be most beneficial to the
long term sustainable development of the midlands.

"In 20 years these bogs will be out of production so now is the time to be deciding
what to do with the vast area of land that will become available". Bord na Móna have not
published a detailed after-use plans for any of this resource.

Dr Foss said "there is an onus on Ireland to protect our remaining Raised
Bogs as 51% of the global resource occurs in this country". Dr Foss also
thanked Bord na Móna for sponsoring the conference.

ends