Finance Minister John O’Dowd visited Peatlands Park in County Armagh on Tuesday to mark the start of the PEAT+ Project, a €19.2 million cross-border initiative to restore peatlands across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The project, led by Ulster Wildlife and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, will run over three years. It aims to restore peatlands at 22 priority sites, six of which are within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.

During the visit, Minister O’Dowd was given an overview of the project, including planned restoration works and expected environmental benefits. He also saw the site where restoration activities will take place.

Peatlands are important carbon stores, but an estimated 80% of peatland across Ireland is degraded and contributing to carbon emissions. Restoration is vital for addressing climate change, supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and reducing flood risk.

Project partners include Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Atlantic Technological University 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.

PEAT+ Project Director Jenna Hewitt said the project will improve approximately 12,415 hectares of peatland across 22 sites. It will support around 40 green jobs and deliver an accredited LANTRA training course to strengthen the peatland restoration sector.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said the project represents a significant investment in the natural environment and demonstrates cross-border collaboration. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said the project is moving from planning into delivery and will benefit communities for generations.