Written answers
Tuesday, 5 April 2022
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Special Areas of Conservation
Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
291. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of raised bogs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/22]
Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Raised Bogs are extremely rare in global and European terms. Ireland holds approximately 50% of all raised bogs remaining in the Atlantic region of North West Europe and so we have a particular responsibility for their conservation at an international level.
The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, approved by government and published in 2017, sets out a roadmap for the effective management and conservation of Ireland's raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas, which represents approximately 9% of the original raised bog resource.
Ireland has designated 55 raised bogs as Special Areas of Conservation in accordance with the Habitats Directive, selected for active raised bog habitat. 75 raised bogs are designated as Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
In county Kerry, 2 raised bogs are designated as Special Areas of Conservation for the conservation of active raised bog with a further 2 raised bogs designated as Natural Heritage Areas selected for the conservation of raised bog. Further details on these bogs are set out in the table under.
| Raised Bog Name | Site Code | Designation | Other details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog Special Area of Conservation | 000382 | Special Area of Conservation | This bog lies 2 km south-east of Killarney in Co. Kerry, in a depression within a high ridge (103 m). It has developed by succession from a small lake to a ridge basin bog with similarities to a raised bog. The bog is rather unique in an Irish context as it is the only raised bog system to be completely surrounded by a wet lagg zone. |
| Moanveanlagh Bog Special Area of Conservation | 002351 | Special Area of Conservation | Situated in Co. Kerry approximately 6 km east of Listowel, mainly within the townlands of Carhooeara and Bunagarha. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. |
| Bunnaruddee Bog Natural Heritage Area | 001352 | Natural Heritage Area | Situated approximately 4 km west of Moyvane in the townlands of Bunaruddee, Leitrim West and Lamore, Co. Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. |
| AnnaMore Bog Natural Heritage Area | 000333 | Natural Heritage Area | Approximately 4 km south of Castleisland, mainly in the townlands of Anna More and Ballybeg in County Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. |
Information on the number of other non-designated raised bogs in county Kerry is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
No comments