Peatland restoration project launched for Fermanagh and Omagh

A €19.2 million PEAT+ project led by Ulster Wildlife was launched on World Wetlands Day to restore peatlands across Fermanagh and Omagh, with restoration work planned at 19 priority sites over three years.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council marked the launch of a €19.2 million peatland restoration project at an event on World Wetlands Day. The PEAT+ initiative was unveiled at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre and is led by the nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife. The programme targets peatland sites across the border counties and highlights the internationally significant Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Funding is provided through the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Project details: - Budget: €19.2 million funded via the SEUPB-managed PEACEPLUS programme. - Lead partners: Ulster Wildlife with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, other local councils, and Atlantic Technological University Donegal. - Scope: large-scale restoration across 19 priority sites over the next three years. - Purpose: re-wetting degraded peatlands to improve water quality, mitigate flood risks, and support species such as the large heath butterfly and golden plover. - Event attendance: representatives included DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre. Summary: The project responds to reports that about 80% of Irish peatlands are degraded and in many places act as a source of carbon rather than a sink. Over the next three years partners will carry out re-wetting and restoration work at the 19 priority sites with the stated aims of improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and aiding threatened species. Project organisers said the programme also seeks to foster cross-border collaboration and create a lasting legacy for future initiatives.