Friends of Ardee Bog Project Secures Funding for Conservation Work
Ardee News and Sport – Friends of Ardee Bog Project Secures Funding for Conservation Work
A vital conservation project in Ardee has received a significant boost with funding under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced today that Friends of Ardee Bog will be granted €3,357 for a hydrology restoration project aimed at preserving the unique peatland habitat.
This funding is part of a wider national initiative that will see 45 community groups across seventeen counties benefit from financial assistance for conservation efforts. The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme is designed to support local initiatives that contribute to the protection and revitalisation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and all peatland environments. The scheme encourages community-led efforts to enhance biodiversity, raise awareness, and promote environmental engagement.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, highlighted the importance of local involvement in conservation, stating:
“The health of our natural world is inextricably linked to the health of our communities. Successful conservation efforts must be driven by and rooted within those communities. Local knowledge and a sense of ownership are vital to safeguarding our precious ecosystems and species and mitigating the impact of climate change.”
The Friends of Ardee Bog group has been actively working to protect the peatland ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in carbon storage, water filtration, and supporting diverse wildlife. The hydrology restoration project will focus on maintaining the natural water balance of the bog, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
This funding will enable the group to continue its vital work, strengthening local engagement in environmental conservation and reinforcing the role of community-driven initiatives in addressing Ireland’s biodiversity crisis.
