‘You could over-complicate it,’ Joe Devine says. ‘This is about reversing the drainage of a bog, and seeing what benefits are going to emerge’
Businessman Joe Devine outlining his plans to restore a blanket bog he acquired, south of Bangor Erris in Co Mayo .
And this is no ordinary bog – it is part of a vast blanket bog of international significance because of its habitat and its ability to capture carbon, albeit impaired by previous human intervention.while trekking Mayo’s Bangor Trail , Devine noticed a large tract of land south of Bangor Erris near Ballycroy that was for sale. He looked at its potential for forestry but nothing came of it. It came back on the market in 2021 .
The bog was originally drained in the 1980s for industrial extraction. Although only a small proportion of the original peat mass was taken out, the entire acrotelm was removed during initial peat extraction across a significant proportion of the site. Instead of being a rich, biodiverse ecosystem, it was thus damaged – and no longer the great carbon store it should be. It was degraded to varying degrees and also leaking greenhouse gases.
Rehabilitating the bog has become the longest-term project he has ever embarked on. “Within five years, we’ll see measurable benefits, but it’s a long-term project. I will have popped my clogs before the real benefits are known.” While the bog is a not-for-profit venture, he is speaking to global climate funds which may lead to their getting involved in supporting what is required. “My day job in the past was corporate finance and investment... I’m not an engineer. I don’t know all the answers. There is no point in thinking I can do this on my own.”
Biodiversity Climate-Change National-Parks-Wildlife-Service Bord-Na-Mona Renewables Forestry Mayo-County-Council Tourism Mayo
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Phil Moore: ‘Seeing athletes ride the emotional rollercoaster that is the Olympic Games is always a thrill’Behind Team Ireland: Deputy Chef de Mission with Team Ireland
Read more »
Cycling in Ireland: Five of Ireland’s best scenic routes, from easy to challengingMark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne share their favourite cycles in Ireland for all levels of ability from paved paths to off road adventures perfect for making the most out of the long weekend
Read more »
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland struggle for staffMinister admits agencies claim pay packages that are ‘sometimes not competitive’ can deter applicants
Read more »
Olympics at a glance: Men’s double sculls set best time; Ireland to play All Blacks for fifth placeDefending champions Belgium too strong for Ireland; Ireland swimmers start campaign; Eventing team in dressage action
Read more »
Ireland weather: Croke Park forecast for All-Ireland Hurling Final Clare vs CorkFans will undoubtedly be hoping that the weather doesn't dampen the spirits or the play of these two formidable teams as they vie for the All-Ireland title in Croke Park
Read more »
Diarmaid Ferriter: Ireland isn’t full. Our population could surpass its pre-famine peak in 33 yearsThe slogans ‘Ireland is Full’ and ‘Stop the new plantation of Ireland’ are comically historically illiterate
Read more »