The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) which works with farmers on improving water quality will continue in 2021, with almost €1m allocated from the Department of Housing under Budget 2021 for the programme.

It is expected that the Department of Agriculture and Dairy Sustainability Ireland will contribute similar funding.

Money was announced for the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s farm plan scheme, but budget allocations have yet to be finalised as to how much the scheme will receive.

Conservation

Some €14m was allocated in Budget 2021 for the conservation, restoration and management of peatlands in Ireland, an increase of 40% on the budget in 2020.

A Department of Housing spokesperson said this funding will allow for, among other peatland measures, the restoration of up to 2,500ha of protected raised bogs which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs).

Tree felling is another measure that will restore or improve the hydrological functioning of the bogs

“Restoration measures on raised bogs involve the insertion of peat or plastic dams to block surface water drains to restore more natural physical conditions and the rewetting of the bog to raise water levels close to the bog surface to restore peat forming conditions.

“Tree felling is another measure that will restore or improve the hydrological functioning of the bogs,” the spokesperson said.

Consultation

With such bogs mostly located in the midlands region, the names of the bogs being restored within the raised bog SAC and NHA network in 2021 will be made available as consultation with stakeholders begins.

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