Ireland has announced €15m investment in a cross-border project with Northern Ireland and Scotland to boost blanket bog recovery.
Minister Noonan said: “I’ve just returned from COP15 where the link between biodiversity and climate change is being discussed by many. “A lack of technical and organisational capacity in peatland restoration is a barrier to preventing the ongoing decline of our peatlands - this funding will help to bridge that gap, working with our partners in Northern Ireland and Scotland.”
Work so far has focused on 35 Natura 2000 sites in the North West, where over 800 farmers benefited from funding linked to the quality of habitat on their land and ecosystem services like providing clean water, carbon storage and biodiversity.Dr Derek McLoughlin, LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature project manager added: “We plan to set up lighthouse sites to develop multidimensional peatland restoration... delivering social and environmental returns in partnership with local communities.
“In Scotland, through the NatureScot Peatland ACTION programme, we look forward to sharing our work with colleagues in Ireland. Cooperation, sharing experiences and innovation are essential ingredients for success.” Niall Dennigan from the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park welcomed the funding but said more needs to be done to restore all Irish peatlands.