Research: ‘Strong' public support for wetland restoration
New research unveiled today (Thursday, May 22) at the 'Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands' conference reveals a strong public interest in wetlands.
The RED C research, commissioned by the Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project, provides insights into Irish attitudes toward wetlands, restoration benefits, and the perceived impact on rural livelihoods.
The findings were presented during a lively day of discussions and community engagement at the conference, where the opening address from John Feehan explored the role of ecological processes for the future of wetlands.
The event brought together policymakers, ecologists, landowners, contractors, and local voices to explore the path ahead for wetlands in the midlands.
Held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, the event opened with a 'Wake Up to the Bog' walk and featured keynote addresses from representatives of the European Commission and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar Project representatives and a range of community voices such as Abbeyleix Bog Project, Women in Nature Restoration and the Tóchar Fens Restoration project.
Welcoming the research, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: 'Through the Tóchar Project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is restoring vital wetlands not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure that communities who have long been dependent on peatlands are part of a fair and inclusive transition.
'I am delighted that the NPWS is supporting initiatives like Tóchar that combine social equity with environmental stewardship.
'The research being launched today highlights the deep connection Irish people feel to our wetlands and underscores the public's growing support for nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges.
'We need to ensure that meeting these challenges delivers climate action benefits while preserving livelihoods and our heritage,' the minister added.
Speaking about the research, Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan added: 'The restoration of Ireland's wetlands is a vital step in protecting our natural heritage and tackling climate change.
Stephanie Ganter-Houzel, programme manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, project manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme; Clare Bannon, acting director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. Image source: Karl Hussey Photography
'These ecosystems are at the heart of our biodiversity and play a crucial role in flood management, carbon storage, and sustaining rural communities.
'Through the Tóchar Project, we are not just restoring landscapes, we are strengthening the connection between people and nature.
'This initiative ensures that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities who have relied on these lands for generations.'
The junior minister said the government is committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods can thrive side by side.
Research on attitudes to wetlands
The research was commissioned to better understand how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration and this was a key topic of discussion throughout the event.
The findings reinforced many of the themes raised during panel discussions and storytelling sessions, such as 'Stories from the Community' and 'The Irish Perspective: Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future', where local peat contractors, landowners, and ecologists shared their lived experiences and aspirations for the transition.
The project group has said that it is clear that while there is strong support for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the concerns of rural communities whose lives and traditions are closely tied to these landscapes need to be acknowledged.
Key research findings include:
61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area, with this number rising to nearly 70% in the EU Just Transition Territory counties;
Nature restoration (72%), flood mitigation (57%), and carbon storage (50%) rank as the top perceived benefits of wetland restoration;
While many support wetland restoration, 49% of respondents express concern about its impact, particularly on traditional rural livelihoods;
One in three Irish adults have heard of wetland restoration projects, but there is a need for better communication and community engagement. Awareness is significantly higher in the EU Just Transition Territory counties.
The Tóchar Project, a three-year initiative managed by the NPWS and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is dedicated to restoring vital landscapes across the midlands.
Ireland's wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. However, many of these fragile ecosystems have been degraded over time, according to Tóchar.
The project is focusing on restoring degraded wetlands in Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, working closely with local communities to ensure a just transition.
Tóchar project manager, Shirley Clerkin stressed the importance of collaboration: 'The research shows that wetland restoration is about more than just conservation; it's about people and their ongoing relationship with their environment.
'The survey results demonstrate an understanding of wetland ecosystem benefits but also show where we need to work together to enhance and build capacity for wetland restoration in the midlands.
'By working with communities, landowners, and peat contractors we can create a legacy of sustainable living, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection that benefits everyone.'
The event closed with a 'Rejuvenation Bog Walk', allowing attendees to experience first-hand the landscapes that are the focus of Ireland's wetland restoration movement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Any other business: The Economist stutters its way through Irish history with some linguistic gymnastics
During the Great Famine, The Economist magazine reckoned all the hunger and suffering was the Irish people's fault, 'brought on by their own wickedness and folly'.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish Lotto player just misses out on €8.2m - but still bags life-changing prize
A Lotto player came agonisingly close to becoming Ireland's newest millionaire after they missed out on winning Saturday's €8.2 million jackpot by just one correct number. Just days after an Irish EuroMillions player scooped an historic, another Lotto player came desperately close to celebrating a jackpot win of their own. The punter match five numbers plus the bonus in Saturday night's draw to leave them just one number short of bagging the €8.2 million jackpot up for grabs. However, the Lotto player still has plenty of reason to celebrate as they scooped the Match 5 + Bonus worth a life-changing €194,616. The numbers called in Saturday night's main Lotto draw were: 15, 19, 24, 31, 34, 42 and the bonus number was 30. Meanwhile, the number to look out for Saturday's Lotto Plus 1 draw are: 10, 15, 16, 18, 29, 37 and the bonus number is 28. While the €1 million jackpot on offer in this draw went unclaimed, 25 players did match five correct numbers to win a cool €500 each. And in Saturday's Lotto Plus 2 draw, where the top prize on offer was €250,000, the numbers pulled were: 10, 15, 16, 21, 29, 36 and the bonus number was 34. The jackpot in this draw also went unclaimed, with 20 players claiming the Match 5 prize worth €250. There were also 87 winners of the Raffle Prize, with each player receiving €500. The winning Raffle Number is 9824. Players across Ireland are now being urged to check their tickets to see if they are among the 96,000 people here who won prizes in Saturday night's Lotto and Lotto Plus games. If you're holding a winning ticket make sure to contact The National Lottery claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@ to arrange the collection of your prize. If you hold a winning ticket that you bought in a shop, you must claim your prize within 90 days of the applicable draw date.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man rushed to hospital with serious injuries after plummeting onto rocks in horror early morning Donegal cliff fall
A MAN has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after falling from a cliff in Co Donegal. The alarm was raised shortly after 7am when a member of the public heard calls for help at Cliff Fall at Bundoran's West End. Advertisement They immediately contacted the emergency services for help. Malin Head Bundoran The casualty was located at the base of the cliff, having landed on rocks. Advertisement Read more in News The RNLI crew at the scene managed to recover the casualty to the beach, where the helicopter had landed to assist. The casualty was then stabilised and airlifted by Rescue 118 before being transferred to The condition of the casualty is not known at this stage. Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Daimon Fergus, said: 'We are grateful to the member of the public who raised the alarm this morning. Advertisement Most read in Irish News "This was a challenging situation, and thanks to the swift response and teamwork between all agencies, the casualty was reached quickly and is now receiving the medical care they need. "We wish them a full recovery.' Major water safety warning issued for Irish parents as seven children drown in Irish waters in 2023 The RNLI reminds anyone visiting the coast to stay well back from cliff edges, take extreme care near the water, and in an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. This comes just a few days after Howth RNLI crews were involved in two cliff rescues yesterday. Advertisement The volunteer crew from Howth RESCUE OPERATIONS This was in response to reports of three being cut off by the tide near Lion's Head. This popular spot is located on the south side of the Howth peninsula near the Bailey Lighthouse. While on scene rescuing the three kids, the lifeboat was diverted by the MRCC Dublin to another emergency close by. Advertisement A teenager had fallen from the cliffs at White Water Brook - a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula. All those involved were safely returned to shore. 1 The alarm was raised shortly after 7am when a member of the public heard calls for help at Cliff Fall at Bundoran's West End
