Mr. Brian Lucas:

There are 12 project sites in the Living Bog project and thus far, restoration works have been completed on six live project sites since last year. Following a recent procurement process, works are contracted for the remaining sites, with works due to commence on the first site in late October. The six done comprise Mongan bog SAC in County Offaly, Ardgullion bog SAC in County Longford, Garriskil bog in County Westmeath, Carrownagappul bog in County Galway, and Ferbane and Moyclare bogs in County Offaly. Of those we have recently contracted out, we hope to start with Carrowbehy bog in County Roscommon, Clara bog and Sharavogue bog in County Offaly.

Under the project thus far, restoration measures have been undertaken on approximately 1,420 ha of raised bogs, installing approximately 7,500 peat dams.

The Deputy also mentioned amenity development. Through the project and engagement with local communities, we have plans for the development of amenity proposals at Ferbane in County Offaly and Mountbellew in County Galway, both of which will be subject to the granting of planning permission.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken restoration works on State-owned land. Last year, we completed restoration works on two SAC sites, namely, Kilsallagh bog in County Galway and Drumalough bog in County Roscommon. We have done work this year on Shankill West bog in County Galway and we hope to work on an NHA site before the end of the year. The Department published a guidance document, which outlines best practice not just for the Department but for anyone involved in raised bog restoration in Ireland, in 2017 and it is available on our website.