Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Ulster Wildlife welcomed Finance Minister John O’Dowd to Peatlands Park to see first-hand the beginning of the ambitious PEAT+ Project. A major €19.2 million cross-border initiative aimed at restoring peatlands and protecting some of our most valuable natural landscapes.
Led by nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the PEAT+ Project brings together a wide range of partners to deliver large-scale peatland restoration across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
Project delivery partners include Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, Crichton Carbon Centre, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust and RTÉ, alongside associate partners NI Water and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Over the next three years, the project will restore peatlands across 22 priority sites, six of which are located within the ABC Borough. It will also advance research and innovation while promoting the rich cultural and natural heritage associated with these unique environments.
During the visit to Peatlands Park, Minister O’Dowd received an overview of the project, including details on the restoration works planned and the long-term environmental benefits expected. He was also introduced to the site where restoration activities will take place.
Peatlands are among the world’s most important carbon stores, yet it is estimated that around 80% of peatland across Ireland remains in a degraded condition and is contributing to carbon emissions. Restoring these habitats is vital in helping to address climate change, while also supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and reducing flood risk.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister John O’Dowd to mark the beginning of this hugely important project. The PEAT+ Project represents a significant investment in our natural environment and demonstrates the strength of cross-border collaboration in tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the project will have in restoring habitats, supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and helping us respond to climate change.”
Finance Minister John O’Dowd said:
“Today’s visit to Peatlands Park has provided a valuable opportunity to see the work of the PEAT+ Project and to hear how partners are combining their knowledge and expertise to improve the condition of our peatlands.
“Restoring these important habitats will deliver many environmental benefits, promote research and support jobs.
“PEAT+ is an excellent example of how PEACEPLUS investment supports effective partnership working and delivers positive, long-term outcomes for our environment and local communities.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre commented:
“The PEAT+ Project is now moving from planning into delivery, with restoration work beginning on the ground at sites such as Peatlands Park. We are proud to support a PEACEPLUS project that is helping to restore habitats and species of international importance while also addressing wider environmental challenges including carbon storage, water regulation and climate resilience.
“PEAT+ demonstrates the value of partnership working, bringing together expertise from across Northern Ireland and Ireland to deliver practical environmental improvements that will benefit communities for generations to come. By investing in our natural environment today, the project is helping to create healthier, more resilient ecosystems while strengthening cross-border cooperation on issues that affect us all.”
PEAT+ Project Director Jenna Hewitt said:
“The PEAT+ Project represents a major investment in the environmental and economic future of Northern Ireland and the border counties. Through a large-scale cross-border peatland restoration programme, we are improving approximately 12,415 hectares of peatland across 22 sites in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
“The project is supporting around 40 green jobs, creating opportunities for contractors, businesses and specialist services, and will deliver an accredited LANTRA training course that will strengthen the skills and capacity of the peatland restoration sector.
“By investing in habitats, people, skills and scientific knowledge, the PEAT+ Project will create healthier ecosystems, stronger rural economies and more resilient communities. Its benefits will continue long beyond the lifetime of the project.”
