DAERA Minister has launched Northern
Ireland's first Peatland Strategy setting out a pathway for
peatland conservation and restoration over the next 15 years.
The strategy, which has been approved by the Executive, runs to
2040 and has been developed to reflect and respond to the twin
challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.
It sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions that will
help to deliver conservation, restoration and management of
peatland to support greater carbon storage and improve
biodiversity and water quality.
Minister Muir launched the strategy during a visit to the Belfast
Hills where, alongside key stakeholders he saw the work that has
been progressing to restore peatland at Divis Mountain.
Minister Muir said: “I am delighted that we have now published
our first Peatland Strategy, which should mark a turning point
for how these precious habitats are protected, restored and
managed. We must embrace the power of peatlands as a
nature-based solution to tackle the nature and climate crisis and
improve water quality.
“Peatlands, which cover approximately 12% of Northern Ireland,
are our rainforest equivalent and have enormous potential to
store and sequester carbon. However, there is now
widespread recognition that well managed peatlands enhance water
quality, help reduce flood risk, combat climate change and
provide vital habitat for threatened species such as the hen
harrier, curlew and golden plover.
“It is essential that our peatlands and the ecosystem services
that they provide are acknowledged and appreciated for the value
and benefits they bring to people, nature and climate.
“Repairing our damaged peatlands offers real return on investment
and creates good green jobs. Environmental groups in
Northern Ireland have already been leading the way delivering
pioneering peatland restoration projects. We must build on
this capacity and know-how to scale up peatland restoration
across Northern Ireland. It is encouraging that substantial
investment in peatland restoration has recently been secured
through the Environment Fund, Shared Island and Peace Plus.”
Download
the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy
Notes to editors:
- The Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy received Executive
approval on 04 September 2025
2. Funding for the Peatland Strategy has been secured via the
Environment Fund, Shared Island Funding and PEACEPLUS to 2028.
- There is currently £7.8million allocated for peatland
restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund
to 2028. This funding will provide for circa 1000ha of
restoration and 5000 to 6000ha with restoration plans.
- In addition, PEACEPLUS funding of approximately € 40million
is currently awarded for nature projects in Northern Ireland to
2028, which includes a major peatland restoration element of
around 12500ha over that time period.
