Protection sought after survey finds 65 new fens

An Irish Peatland Conservation Council survey has discovered 65 fens. Fens are wetland systems similar to bogs but which have more wildlife and heritage value because their water supplies come from springs, lakes and rivers. They are most common in the west and midlands.

Before this survey, it was thought that there were 277 fen sites in the State. Some have been legally protected by being designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The IPCC is now calling on Duchas to designate the new sites.

Mr Patrick Crushell, IPCC conservation officer, said research showed that 25 per cent of fens were threatened by developments such as reclamation, drainage and infilling. "There is nothing to stop farmers or developers getting planning permission on these 65 fens if they are not protected," he said.

Three-quarters of fen habitats have already been lost because of development work, according to the IPCC. Mr Crushell said the county councils were not aware of the 65 sites but the IPCC would be passing on details.

The IPCC report identified 785 species of flora and fauna on Irish fens. Fens are habitats for mosses, sedges (a type of reed), willows, water beetles, wading birds and other birds and insects.

"County councils should implement strict guidelines with regard to the location of developments in fen habitats so as to eliminate the threats to the remaining fens," Mr Crushell said. He called on Duchas to designate these new sites now.

He said a road scheme announced for Laois threatened to damage two important fens which had already been identified. The proposed corridor option for the M8 motorway between Portlaoise and Durrow would pass through four NHAs.