Farmers must be consulted as part of bog rehabilitation plan – Fitzmaurice

Farmers must be consulted as part of the Bord na Móna bog rehabilitation plan, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

The cabinet today (Tuesday, November 24) approved a total of €108 million in funding for Bord na Móna’s bog rehabilitation plan, which is set to run until the end of 2025.

However, the deputy said it is “imperative that farmers’ neighbouring bogs, which will be rehabilitated by Bord na Móna in the coming years, are consulted to ensure there no negative impacts on their land as a result of the rehabilitation process”.

“The funding announcement is very welcome. It ensures that up to 350 Bord na Móna workers who traditionally would have been involved in the harvesting of peat will be able to remain on,” he said.

“However, it is imperative that farmers with land neighbouring these bogs which are being rehabilitated are consulted to ensure that there are no negative impacts.

A common sense approach now could avoid any potential problems arising down the line.

The Roscommon-Galway representative also welcomed the provisional funding announcement for 47 projects under the Just Transition Fund.

“These projects showcase ingenuity and ambition across a variety of fronts, and hopefully they can assist communities which have depended on peat harvesting as a major source of employment in recent decades in their transition.”

Funding for midlands ‘will provide sustainable employment for generations’

The funding approved by cabinet today for a bog rehabilitation plan for just transition in the midlands “will provide sustainable employment for generations” according to Senator Eugene Murphy.

“The story of the ESB and Bord na Móna is intrinsic to the history and culture of the midlands region. I have stated this on numerous occasions over many years,” the senator said.

“This funding will provide a new, low-carbon future, developing sustainable employment for generations to come and is truly transformative for the midlands region where peat and power station workers of the past will now become the custodians of the boglands for the future. 

“It is a significant game changer for communities, individuals, and businesses of the region.”