Funding boost for local bog project

The funding was announced today.

Funding of €23,798 has been announced for the conservation of Killyconny Bog Special Area of Conservation.

St Kilian’s Heritage Trust has been awarded the funding for its work to support and develop appreciation of the well known Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The funding will provide opportunities for communities in the area to learn about raised bogs and the need to preserve these important ecosystems. The funding will also be used to make St Killian’s Heritage Centre a year round facility for ongoing education and engagement with schools and the community.

Total grant funding of €160,000 has been announced today by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD under the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme.

The scheme encourages local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and individuals to conserve and revitalise fens, raised and blanket bog in Special Areas of Conservation, Natural Heritage Areas and other peatland areas. It also promotes public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage.

It aims to focus on community-led projects and volunteer groups, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement peatland conservation and restoration in Ireland. The scheme is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Projects in Galway, Westmeath, Kildare, Offaly, Mayo, Kerry, Cavan, Monaghan and Dublin are receiving funding.

“Communities are at the heart of nature restoration, and this is particularly the case with our bogs", said Minister Noonan. "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."