Midlands to receive assistance due to closure of power stations

The Government has announced plans to assist the midlands following closure of two of the three peat-fired power stations in Longford and Offaly and a decision by Bord na Móna to cease peat harvesting.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan details efforts that will support the region in the coming years. The measures will include the largest programme of bog rehabilitation in the State’s history to a value of up to €108 million – matched with a contribution of €18 million from Bord na Móna. A fund will also be announced to assist businesses in making the low-carbon transition and €20 million is to be allocated in funding to deliver social housing upgrades in the region.

The climate plan says returning peatlands to more natural conditions will deliver a “range of climate benefits through reduced carbon emissions, long-term carbon storage, increased carbon sequestration and enhanced resilience to the locked-in impacts of climate change”.

Bord na Móna’s large-scale peatlands restoration project will involve a wide array of engineering and ecology works designed to encourage and accelerate natural processes. The plan says once rehabilitated, the peatlands will include peat forming bogs and a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands and native woodlands.

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It also states these measures will protect the storage of 100 million tonnes of carbon, enhance biodiversity and contribute to Ireland’s target of being carbon neutral no later than 2050. It is also estimated that over the period to 2050, 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided in comparison to standard rehabilitation processes.

Meanwhile, €19 million has been allocated to commence restoration measures on almost 4,400 hectares of protected raised bogs in the midlands region. Funding of almost €10 million is also being provided under an EU project which will highlight the power of peatlands to effect significant climate benefit.

A seven-year project will also be launched which will engage the community with the benefits of peatland restoration.

Carbon flux

A peatlands knowledge centre of excellence will carry out best practices in restoration and design methodologies to monitor and analyse carbon fluxes.

The plan also details an intention to establish a Just Transition Accelerator Programme which will focus on low carbon and circular economy opportunities. It also discusses the creation of an Immersive People’s Discovery Attraction to introduce the importance of climate action and peatlands to citizens.

Agricultural and geographical research and development projects have also been announced. A wetlands surveys Ireland midlands project will design a pilot results-based agri-environmental programme. The aim will be to improve the environmental quality of agricultural lands surrounding a selection of raised bogs in Roscommon, Offaly and Westmeath.

A green restoration project will engage a cohort of pilot “lighthouse farms” in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath as “living laboratories” using a citizen/farmer science strategyThe plan also detailed a midlands retrofit programme for council homes which will benefit at least 750 properties in the region.