Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Ulster Wildlife hosted Finance Minister John O'Dowd at Peatlands Park to signal the commencement of the PEAT+ initiative, a €19.2 million cross-border programme to restore peatlands and protect vital natural landscapes.

Spearheaded by the conservation charity Ulster Wildlife and funded through the PEACEPLUS programme, which is administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), PEAT+ brings together partners from across Northern Ireland and the border counties to deliver large-scale peatland recovery.

Delivery partners are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, Crichton Carbon Centre, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust and RTÉ, with associate partners NI Water and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

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Over the next three years, work will take place across 22 priority sites, six of them within the ABC Borough. Alongside on-the-ground restoration, the project will drive research and innovation and highlight the cultural and natural heritage of peatland environments.

During his visit, the Minister was briefed on the restoration methods planned, the anticipated long-term environmental gains, and toured the area where activity will be undertaken.

Peatlands are among the planet’s most significant carbon stores, yet around 80% across Ireland are estimated to be in a degraded state, adding to carbon emissions. Restoring them will help tackle climate change, boost biodiversity, enhance water quality and mitigate flood risk.

Minister O'Dowd said: "This visit to Peatlands Park has provided a valuable opportunity to see the work of the PEAT+ Project and to hear how partners are combining their knowledge and expertise to improve the condition of our peatlands.

"Restoring these important habitats will deliver many environmental benefits, promote research and support jobs.

"PEAT+ is an excellent example of how PEACEPLUS investment supports effective partnership working and delivers positive, long-term outcomes for our environment and local communities."