Bog rewetting debate as biodiversity plan considered

A proposal to support the rewetting of peatlands across the county prompted a lively debate at the February meeting of Westmeath County Council, as members considered adopting the draft Westmeath Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2031.

Presenting the plan, biodiversity officer Christina Sweeney outlined the statutory requirement for every local authority to prepare a county biodiversity action plan by 2026, in line with national policy. She said the plan provides a structured framework to protect and enhance biodiversity, align with climate objectives, and guide practical action across Westmeath.

The draft plan contains 43 targeted actions under five strategic objectives, including measures to support pollinators, restore habitats and strengthen climate resilience.

It also reflects feedback received during public consultation, where concerns were raised about water quality, biodiversity loss, protection of hedgerows and bogs, pesticide use, and the need for greater public engagement.

However, it was Action 1.1, which commits the council to ‘support the restoration and rewetting of peatlands and wetlands in Westmeath’, that drew the most discussion.

Cllr Paul Hogan said that while he had no issue with the overall adoption of the plan, he was concerned about the wording and emphasis placed on peatlands.

He noted that peatlands were referenced 13 times in the document, compared to fewer mentions of agriculture and housing, and said that created a disproportionate focus from a “negative perspective” on boglands and those who rely on them.

He also pointed to language in an associated environmental assessment report referring to the creation of a database of new and restored sites, arguing that clarity was needed on whether additional bogs were being identified for rewetting.

Cllr Denis Leonard echoed concerns, stressing that while environmental protection is paramount, there are “competing demands” that must be recognised.

“The bogs are here for thousands of years. They sustained us,” he said, referencing the historic role of peat harvesting in the midlands and raising concerns about fuel poverty among households reliant on turf.

He also warned that large-scale rewetting could impact tourism initiatives such as bog walks and local amenity developments, arguing that biodiversity objectives should run “side by side” with social, economic and tourism considerations.

“I think we need to be careful that we don’t cut off our noses to spite our face,” he said.

In response, Ms Sweeney stressed that the council’s role under the plan is to support rewetting projects already being led by national agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Bord na Móna and Coillte.

“These bogs are already being rewetted,” she said, explaining that the biodiversity office’s involvement would largely relate to stakeholder engagement, awareness, education and maintaining a database of restoration projects.

Council chief executive Barry Kehoe said the policy direction on peatland restoration is set at national and EU level.

He reminded members that Ireland has committed to peatland restoration under the Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan and EU nature restoration legislation, and that rewetting forms part of broader climate and biodiversity commitments.

“Westmeath is a really important county from a wetlands perspective,” he said, referencing the county’s lakes, marshes and historic peatlands.

Mr Kehoe acknowledged concerns around small-scale turf cutting and the potential impact on adjacent agricultural land but said projects would be assessed and progressed in an organised way through national agencies, in consultation with landowners.

“My advice to the members would be that it’s consistent with national policy, it’s the direction of travel in terms of protecting biodiversity, and it’s part of what we’ve committed to as a state,” he said.

Despite the debate, councillors broadly welcomed the emphasis in the plan on community engagement, education and practical conservation.

Members highlighted biodiversity initiatives supported by the council, including Tidy Towns grants, pollinator-friendly planting, pesticide-free zones, school projects, and habitat restoration on council-owned lands such as Coolure, Bogganfin and Belvedere.

Cllr David Jones formally proposed adoption of the plan, praising the biodiversity office’s support for local groups and warning of the health impacts associated with excessive pesticide use.

Cllr Niall Gaffney welcomed the focus on schools and community involvement, describing active participation, such as installing owl boxes and planting native species, as key to long-term success. He also called for a future progress update to track implementation.

The chief executive’s report recommended endorsement of the plan, noting that amendments made following public consultation were minor and did not materially alter its objectives.

While concerns around peatland rewetting are likely to continue generating discussion, the council was advised that the plan aligns with national policy and provides a framework for protecting and enhancing biodiversity across Westmeath over the next six years.