Conservation works on Galway boglands near Portumna, Kilchreest, Attymon, and Mountbellew received a boost this week with funding from the Government.
On Monday, the Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, approved grant funding for community peatland initiatives, of close to €230,000 for 25 local community groups and organisations.
Funding for five local groups
The Looscaun Shannonside Development Group will receive €25,000 to carry out hedge trimming, bog track maintenance, and upgrades as part of the development of a walking and cycling trail through Cloonmoylan/Barroughter Bogs Special Areas of Conservation.
The Galway Telework Co-Operative Society will receive €20,000 to complete ongoing maintenance and repair of bog roads, erect signage, install outdoor seating, and to undertake work on interpretative centre.
The Co-op is currently developing a tourism initiative with the Department of Parks and Wildlife in developing an interpretative centre and guided tours to Carrownagappul.
The Attymon Development Group will get €10,000 to undertake specialised surveys (breeding birds, mammal, and butterflies ), to produce a video using professional wildlife footage, aerial footage, and interviews to showcase the natural history of the local bogland; a 24 page booklet and online resource; a poster; and host a series of events (nature walks and day on the bog event ).
The Kilchreest/Castledaly Community Development Group will receive €3,000 for waste management measures including waste removal, erection of signage and barriers, and ongoing monitoring in the Sliabh Aughty Mountains within the Sonnagh Bog Special Area of Conservation.
The funding has been welcomed by Galway East Green Party representative Eoin Madden. “We have a summer and autumn of staycations ahead,” he said. “The incredible beauty of east Galway will be highlighted for the benefit of local communities and holiday makers by means of these funds. They will also protect our beautiful countryside while bringing visitors to our county.”
