4.24 Peatland Tourism

The end of industrial extraction of peat within the County has heralded a new oportunity to reverse the biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emmisions emmanating from the large expanses of brownfield sites. The benefit from the rehabilitation and restoration of these areas in terms of conservation and ecosystem services can not be understated. Coupled with the development of the blueways and greenways, creating a corridor for toursim the peatlands of County Kildare can be the gateway for the midlands bringing international and domestic visitors. If sensitive to the receiving environment there is a chance for a sustainable tourism economy, creating jobs and supporting the indigenous population who also benefit from the local environmental amenity.

The IPCC suport the creation of National Peatlands Park (please change from National Peatlands Heritage Park) which celebrates the close connection of the people and peatlands but heralds a new appreciation of the globally unique peatland habitats.