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

ENOUGH TALK - TAKE ACTION
PEATLANDS 2000 CAMPAIGN

For immediate release 17 October 1996

The last of the Irish bogs are threatened because of our need for fuel, horticultural products, rough grazing and timber.

The area of conservation worthy peatlands has crashed from an estimated 900,000ha in the 1940s to less than 150,000ha today. Many of the remaining raised and blanket bogs are on the verge of extinction.

The Peatlands 2000 Campaign launched by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (see Editor's Note 1) is targeted at politicians. The message is simple - enough talk about conservation - it is time to take some real action to save bogs.

"There's a lot that individuals can do to help save bogs but there is so much more that only the Government can do. The amount of progress that we make with them depends on how much pressure voters put on politicians. We have had enough of the talk. Now the Government must get on with the action", says Dr. Peter Foss, Chairman of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.

The proper conservation of a representative sample of Irish bogs will involve bringing in new legislation, tightening planning laws, and stepping up the purchase of threatened bog sites.

All over the country supporters of the Save the BOgs Campaign are being called to action to persuade Minister Michael D. Higgins to:

1. Set a timetable for the introduction of the revised Wildlife Act to protect peatland sites (Natural Heritage Areas) which we are waiting for since 1990.

2. Liaise with the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Agriculture to completely stop peat extraction and forestry developments on peatland Natural Heritage Areas and to offer farmers realistic incentives to make them reduce the density of sheep grazing on blanket bogs to extinction.

3. Devise a nature conservation strategy for peatlands to be implemented into all government policies by the year 2000.

4. Make resources available to put the nature conservation strategy into action and to protect peatland Natural Heritage Areas.

Special pre-addressed postcards have been issued which are available from the IPCC, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1 for people who feel strongly about the protection of our bogland heritage and who want to support the Peatlands 2000 Campaign.

"Lend your support to the IPCC, put pressure on politicians to help secure the future of the bogs. Time is running out. We must not squander it", says Peter Foss.

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: The work of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council is supported by the FÁS Community Employment Program.

Copyright © Irish Peatland Conservation Council 1996