Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7 - (Page 18)

Mapping a sustainable future Bellacorick wind farm Bord na Móna is planning the future sustainaBle uses of its peatlands to generate socio econoMic value at Both national and regional levels t he future potential of Bord na Móna’s 80,000 hectares of peatlands is being assessed to maximise its social, environmental and economic value. “We recently completed a strategic framework for the future use of peatlands,” says head of property development, pat ring. “and we have set up a land use review system on our internal gis system.” the land use review system assesses the key factors to be considered when decisions are being made on the future use of our peatlands, including emerging cutaway bog. these factors are: the physical nature of the cutaway; its location vis-à-vis other infrastructure; the timeframe left for peat extraction; economic factors; national and regional needs; relevant legislation and regulations; county and regional development plans and local issues and considerations. “Key opportunities for future use of our cutaway lands include wind energy, industry and infrastructure, biodiversity and ecosystem services, tourism and amenity, and forestry,” says pat, adding that a balanced approach is being taken to generate commercial, social and environmental value. “at the moment, the challenge is to find commercial value, given the economic climate and the physical nature of peatlands.” But Bord na Móna is as committed to finding sustainable commercial solutions as it is to championing the biodiversity and social agenda, and the strategic framework provides guidance on achieving those goals. “a cross company project team worked on this project. it included aiden Mcgee from technical services; John lynch from powergen; and catherine farrell, gerry Mcnally and gerry ryan from land and property. We engaged landscape architects Brady shipman Martin and property advisors savills to provide external input during the project”. “the objective was to develop a framework that would guide future decision making in relation to land use rather than an ad hoc project-by-project approach,” says pat. “We also need to articulate issues about our peatlands internally and to have clarity on our own position when it comes to discussions with key stakeholders such as the environmental protection agency, local authorities and government departments.” the framework will be communicated both internally and with various external organisations with an interest in the peatlands. this is no easy task considering that Bord na Móna’s lands span several local authority areas. “for instance, we are in discussion at present with the Midlands regional authority,” says pat. “fifty-five per cent of our peatlands are in their region, so 18 | Source Summer 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7

Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7
Contents
A Round-Up of News from Around the Company
Willow Harvest for Farmers
New Approach, New Business
Strategic Growth and Development
Challege and Change
Anua Beginning
Raging Inferno
Mapping a Sustainable Future
Project Update
Heritage Corner
Nationwide

Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7