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Farmers must be consulted in BNM bog rehabilitation plan – Fitzmaurice

By November 24, 2020No Comments

It is imperative that farmers neighbouring bogs which will be rehabilitated by Bord na Mona in the coming years are consulted to ensure there no negative impacts on their land as a result of the rehabilitation process, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

This comes as the Cabinet has approved a total of €108 million in funding for Bord na Mona’s bog rehabilitation plan, which is set to run until the end of 2025.

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

“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.

He added: “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.”

Michael Fitzmaurice – 0861914565