Public meeting in Athlone tonight on fen restoration
A public meeting will get underway in Athlone later this evening (Tuesday) focusing on reviving degraded, nutrient-rich, groundwater-fed wetlands, commonly known as fen restoration.
The Athlone meeting takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel at 7.30pm, with registration beforehand at 7.15pm. The meeting is one of a series of similar events taking place across the Midlands in the coming weeks.
Fens are a rare and distinctive type of peatland that are fed by groundwater rather than rainfall. Their waterlogged conditions allow peat to form slowly, supporting specialised plant and animal species while also helping to filter water and contribute to more resilient local environments. Many fen sites across the Midlands have been damaged over time, and restoration work is now taking place to help these important wetlands recover.
The series of fen restorationh public meetings have been organised against a backdrop of new research by Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration which shows that people across Ireland place a strong value on wetlands as part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, with most believing it is important to pass knowledge and appreciation of these landscapes on to younger generations. The research also showed that almost half of Irish adults visit wetlands at least once a year, with recreation such as walking, birdwatching and spending time in nature being the main reason for visiting.
The research from Tóchar said that while awareness of wetland restoration projects is increasing nationally, the findings also highlight the importance of continued local engagement and accessible information, particularly in areas where restoration work is underway.
The public meetings will give fresh insights into how people in Ireland interact with, understand and value wetlands at a time when investment is underway to restore these vital landscapes.
Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration Project Manager, Shirley Clerkin, said the public meetings are about building understanding and connection at a local level. “The meetings allow us to bring insights into a local setting, to explain what fen restoration involves and to have open, practical conversations with the communities closest to these sites” she added.
The information sessions are designed to highlight the ecological and societal benefits of fen restoration, including improved water quality and carbon storage, and to explain some financial incentives available for restoration initiatives along with opportunities for questions and discussion. The events are open to landowners, farmers, community groups, local organisations and anyone with an interest in wetlands and the future of the Midlands.
Interested parties can register for any of the information sessions by phoning 01 5393160.
Details of the fen restoration public meetings across the Midlands are as follows:
1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone: Tuesday, February 24
2. County Arms Hotel, Birr, Offaly: Thursday, February 26
3. Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, Roscommon: Tuesday, March 3
4. Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar: Wednesday, March 4
Registration commences each evening at 7.15pm with the sessions beginning at 7.30pm.