Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

641. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funds available for restoration work in raised bogs; the location of the bogs; the programme of work; when the work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42858/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the context of Budget 2016, I announced that funding of €9 million will be available under the Exchequer Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021 for the programme of peatlands restoration. The proposed programme of conservation measures for raised bogs is set out in the draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan. The final Plan is scheduled to be published early next year.

In October 2015, the European Commission approved funding under the EU LIFE programme for a €5.4 million project for the restoration of active raised bog on 12 sites in Ireland’s special area of conservation network. €1.35 million will be contributed by my Department to this project.

The project will operate for a period of 5 years and will commence in January 2016. A project team is being recruited to implement this project and will be consulting with local communities in the relevant areas.

Details of the 12 project sites are set out in the following table.

Restoration plans which will set out proposals for the restoration of all of Ireland’s 53 raised bog special areas of conservation and associated habitats are currently being drafted. These plans will identify technically feasible restoration measures for the various zones of each bog including the high bog, cutover bog and surrounding margins. The implementation of these measures will be with a view to the targets for active raised bog at the particular special area of conservation being met. The draft restoration plans will be developed further in conjunction with local stakeholders and communities.

Typical peatland restoration measures include the blocking of drains in the high bog area, tree and vegetation clearance and installation of peat dams, where necessary.

Through consultation with stakeholders and local communities it will be possible to develop ideas for maximising socio-economic benefits for local communities through peatlands restoration. These could include improving existing or building new facilities (e.g. tracks, board walks, and bog bridges), encouraging the creation of small tourism enterprises, and enhancing the value of a site as an educational resource.