19/05/2008

State Of Ireland's Countryside Heritage Revealed

Only 7% of Ireland's natural habitats are in a good condition, according to a new report.

The report, released on Monday, paints a bleak picture of Ireland's record in looking after habitats and species protected by EU law.

The report is particularly critical of Ireland's fast-disappearing raised bogs.

Only 7% of the habitats examined for the study were found to be in good condition, with 46% described as 'inadequate' and 47% as 'bad'.

It says the main threats to habitats and species in Ireland are peat-cutting, construction, road-building and the reclamation of wetlands.

Other pressures include the pollution of waters by nutrients or silt.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley has described the findings as a "wake-up call".

Ironically, Monday is the second day of Biodiversity Week in Ireland.

Green Party Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, welcomed the arrival of Biodiversity Week saying: "Biodiversity Week provides us with a great opportunity to learn more about our native plants and species and also to find out how we as individuals and as communities can help to ensure the survival of our wildlife for future generations."

(DW)

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