The Department of Culture and Heritage is inviting community groups around the country to apply for funding to help conserve raised bogs in their areas.
The scheme was run on a pilot basis last year and the village of Kilteevan in Roscommon transformed an old bog road into a flourishing walking trail.
There is a deep sense of pride and local identity in this picturesque village outside Roscommon town. Kilteevan is already preparing for this year's Tidy Towns competition.
But this small rural community is also steeped in rich natural heritage and has a raised bog Special Area of Conservation.
Last year, the Department of Culture and Heritage awarded funding on a pilot basis to a number of community groups including the Kilteevan Tidy Towns Committee.
They received €17,000 to develop a walking trail around Kilteevan Bog. The amenity has greatly enhanced the area around Lough Ree with seating and signposting.
Chairperson Eileen Fahy said the funding was of enormous benefit to the community and the peatlands area.
"There is a huge increase in the number of people walking and cycling the route. It has helped significantly to raise awareness around biodiversity on our boglands," she said.
Last year, funding of up to €160,000 was made available as part of the pilot scheme to support a diverse range of initiatives including education programmes, exhibitions and local area improvements to enhance local raised bog areas.
Cathryn Hannon is Regional Manager of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. She said these SAC bogs formed over thousands of years and are areas of prime wildlife conservation on a European and Irish level.
Minister Josepha Madigan said she hopes that the 2019 scheme will encourage communities around the country to become involved in helping to enhance and protect local raised bogs areas and to raise awareness of the natural environment.
Applications for funding must be submitted by 24 May. A departmental panel will recommend projects to the minister for her approval.
Further details are available on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
