Midlands Communities Encouraged To Apply For New Peatlands Grant Funding

Friday, 7 January 2022 14:28

Abbeyleix Bog - photo credit: Karen Mulhall

It's to help set up initiatives from education programmes to wildlife conservation.

Midlands bog and peatlands projects are encouraged to apply for grant funding of €500,000 this year.

The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme 2022 will assist local groups and schools in starting initiatives from education and recreational programmes to wildlife conservation and management.

St. Brendan’s Community School in Birr was among those to receive €20,000 through the fund last year, to reinstate a boardwalk on Killaun Bog.

Junior Agriculture Minister, Offaly's Pippa Hackett is urging groups in the midlands to apply;

"We are rich in peatlands in the Midlands and we should be justifiably proud of that heritage, so I would encourage community and school groups to come up with ideas and get their applications in.

"Last year, successful applications were made by Abbeyleix Bog Project, for surveys and mapping; St. Brendan’s Community School, to repair the boardwalk in Killaun Bog; and Mountrath Scout Group for workshops, signage and surveys Knockacoller Bog.

"The ETHOS group in Tyrellspass was funded for surveys and mapping of Cloncrow Bog, while Moate Action Group was funded to erect information signage, to host a seminar and to compile a book."

The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Launching the 2022 scheme today, Herigate Minister Malcolm Noonan said;

"I’m delighted to announce the largest allocation of funding to date for this scheme.

"This year, for the first time, projects relating to fens are eligible for funding as well as raised and blanket bog areas.

"Ireland’s peatlands which include raised bogs, blanket bogs or fens are special and unique places and play an important role in contributing to our biodiversity, sense of place and well-being."

Successful applicants will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 75% of the project eligible costs with a maximum grant of €25,000.

Details of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and Application Form needed to apply are available here.

The closing date for submission of applications is 4pm on Friday 11th February 2022.