Two Galway community groups have been approved funding for peatlands conservation and education projects.
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan has this week approved €160,000 in grant funding for a total of 16 peatland related projects in Ireland.
Of the two Galway projects approved funding, the larger is €15,000 for Galway Telework Co-operation group.
This will be used to support the upgrading and further development of the interpretive centre and visitor amenities on Carrownagappul Bog SAC.
The presentation video at the interpretive centre will be updated to include all of the new relevant works that have taken place.
The second grant is for Leenane Development Association, which is receiving €1,500 for a new interpretive board in the southern part of Doolough Valley.
The interpretive board will serve as an educational resource by giving a visual overview of the catchment’s ecology, with particular focus on nearby peatland/upland habitats and Freshwater Pearl Mussel.
It will also lay out the farming practices being undertaken to protect and conserve the area, particularly the upland habitats.
Minister Noonan said “Communities are at the heart of nature restoration, and this is particularly the case with our bogs.”
“Time and time again we have seen groups of volunteers leading with passion and impact to restore, rehabilitate and share the wonder of these amazing habitats.”
“That’s why schemes such as this one are so important, in that they allow the local custodians of our natural heritage to continue their work and to grow it,” Malcolm Nooonan said
The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme encourages local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and individuals to conserve and revitalise fens, raised, and blanket bogs.
The focus of the scheme is on community-led projects and volunteer group, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement the protection of peatlands in Ireland.
The scheme is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
