International recognition for Living Bog project
An Irish raised bog restoration project, co-funded by the Department and the EU LIFE programme, has been nominated for one of Europe’s top environmental awards.
The Living Bog project, which commenced in 2016 and finishes this December, is among 27 finalists for the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Awards.
Included in the Living Bog project is Killyconny Bog SAC near Mullagh on the Cavan-Meath borders.
Others include Ardagullion Bog SAC, Co. Longford; Carrowbehy Bog SAC, Gorthaganny, Co. Roscommon; Derrinea Bog SAC, Co. Roscommon; Clara Bog SAC, Moyclare Bog SAC, Mongan Bog SAC, Raheenmore Bog SAC, Sharavogue Bog SAC, and Ferbane Bog SAC, all Co. Offaly; Garriskil Bog SAC, Co. Westmeath; and Carrownagappul Bog SAC, Mountbellew, Co. Galway.
The awards recognise excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites.
The Living Bog is nominated in the ‘Community’ category, with the bog project’s work in the local community and its involvement of community groups and individuals - including turf cutters - in project actions recognised by the European Union’s environmental bodies.
Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, TD, welcomed the announcement.
Congratulating the project team on the nomination, she commented: “I am delighted that the work of the Living Bog with local communities has been recognised with its nomination for a Natura 2000 Award. This project aims to restore raised bog across 12 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) across seven counties. Encouraging local community involvement is a significant element of the project. I wish to congratulate the project team on its outstanding efforts to promote awareness of peatland restoration in the local and wider community.”
A high-level jury will decide on five winners in Natura 2000, but from the finalists the public will also choose its winner: 'The Citizens’ Award'.
Up to September 15, the general public will be voting for its favourite Natura 2000 Award finalist, and the application that receives the most votes will win the coveted European Citizens’ Award.
Since the Natura 2000 awards started in 2014, there have been no Irish winners in any category.
Voting links are live at https://natura2000award-application.eu/en/finalists from 1:30pm today, June 2, which coincides with World Peatlands Day.