Sir, – As archaeologists with a particular interest in peatlands, we note with some concern the Government’s intention to seek “flexibility” on private turf-cutting within areas of bog designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Irish raised bogs are recognised internationally for their archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and cultural significance.
To date, more than 4,000 archaeological sites and several hundred artefacts have been identified within Irish raised bogs. These same bogs preserve long-term records of environmental change offering particular insight into this island’s vegetation and climate history.
While the majority of archaeological sites have been identified within industrial peatlands, their number and range demonstrates that all raised bogs can be regarded as areas of significant archaeological potential. Raised bogs that are also SACs offer at present the best opportunity to ensure that this potential is protected for generations to come.
For this reason, we would hope that the archaeological potential of raised bogs that are also SACs be prioritised for consideration in light of the Government’s intention to have the status of some SACs, such as Moanveanlagh Bog, Co Kerry revisited. – Yours, etc,