The work, on the Edgeworthstown area bog, which is due to be carried our later this year, is part of the Peatlands Climate Action Scheme (PCAS).
The scheme which is to be implemented on 30,000 hectares of the 80 bogs around Ireland, has seen the rewetting of 38 bogs since 2021, with a further 19 identified for rehabilitation in 2023.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications approved grant funding of €108 million in 2020 for the scheme and it is provided by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility which is the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU.
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The focus of the rehabilitation measures for Mostrim, like all the bogs, is creating suitable water-levels in Irish Peatlands. Water levels are brought to the surface of the bog to re-wet the peat, and accelerate the development of naturally functioning peatlands habitats, while turning these carbon sources into carbon sinks again.
As part of the Mountdillon Bog Group, Mostrim Bog will be permanently rehabilitated under licensing controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The scheme intends to deliver many benefits regarding climate actions. The benefits include, reducing the emissions of Green House Gas (GHG), improving the carbon storage potential within the left-over peat, and accelerating the development of carbon seizure by promoting the growth of peat-forming mosses (Sphagnum-rich vegetation).
The scheme and its benefits, if successful, will enrich the natural assets of Ireland. It will enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, boost the beneficial impact of ecosystems in our environment, increase water storage attenuation and enable the potential development of amenity around the peatlands.
To give feedback on the Mostrim Bog Draft Rehabilitation Plan, email pcasinfo@bnm.ie before Wednesday, 09 August 2023.
