Press Release 16th Feb, 2010
The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on the Fine Gael party to reverse its policy of allowing turf-cutting on some of Ireland's most valuable nature reserves (Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas). According to its manifesto Fine Gael says it "will allow an exemption for domestic turf cutting on the 75 National Heritage Area sites, which are designated under Irish Law". This amounts to an assault on our wildlife and fails to recognise the value of our bogs for purifying water, storing carbon and alleviating floods.
Ireland's raised and blanket bogs are unique habitats at an international level and after years of abuse only 18% of these areas remain of any conservation value[1]. It is these last few refuges that Fine Gael are proposing to 'sell off' for short-term political gain.
The chairman of the IWT, Pádraic Fogarty said "at a time when Ireland's 'green' image is vital to creating jobs and returning to prosperity Fine Gael want to take us back to the bad old days of environmental abuse that benefits the few".
The IWT is calling on any new government to commit to our legal and moral obligations to protect our biodiversity and to acknowledge its value in a dynamic and prosperous Ireland.
ENDS
Contact:
For further information please contact Joanne Pender IWT Development Officer Ph: 01 860 2839 or E-mail: enquiries@iwt.ie
Editors Notes:
The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 as a charitable conservation body. We provide the public with information about wildlife, run education and training programs like SAC Watch and the Outdoor Classroom Programme, carry out habitat and species surveys like the IWT National Lizard Survey and Newt Survey, campaign and lobby around biodiversity issues, restore natural habitats, consult with industry, agriculture and Local Authorities to maintain our natural heritage and contribute to national and international forums for the protection of biodiversity. The IWT is a nationwide organisation with a strong membership base, staff and Board of Directors, with branches in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Clare, Cork, Louth, Monaghan and Tipperary.
[1] Foss P., O'Connell C.A., Crushell P. H. 2001. Bogs and Fens of Ireland Conservation Plan 2005. Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
Joanne Pender
Development Officer
Irish Wildlife Trust
Sigmund Business Centre
93A Lagan Road
Dublin Industrial Estate
Glasnevin
Dublin 11
Ph: 01 860 2839
Fax: 01 830 8914
E-mail: enquiries@iwt.ie
Web: www.iwt.ie
