Kilcoleman Bog, also known as Garrylucas Marsh, is across from the car park at Garrylucas Beach, a couple of miles from Ballinspittle village in Co Cork. The Bog acts as a crucial water soak away during times of severe rainfall.

Current efforts are not enough to protect this vital natural resource from environmental pressures as it has recently been damaged. About an acre of the vegetation has been cut back and residents are concerned about long term damage to this unique environment and what is planned for this land since it was recently sold privately.

The preservation of the bog isn't just about protecting our community members during severe rainfall. It's also about safeguarding nature. Back in 2020 there was another petition which focused on protecting the biodiversity in the area. It was successful in that it got the Bog protected as a Wetland Habitat under the Planning and Development act and listed as a Proposed Natural Heritage Area.

Here is a brief outline from the 2020 petition:

"This extensive wetland area is a haven for biodiversity, a feeding ground for endangered hen harriers and a unique habitat to significant species of flora and fauna. The marsh plays a vital role in natural flood prevention and as an increasingly important carbon sink. 

This site, like hundreds of others across the country, has lingered on the list of proposed Natural Heritage Areas since it was first published on a non-statutory basis in 1995. 

Due to the lack of statutory protection the Marsh has suffered significant damage in recent times due to inappropriate land use. This damage will continue to occur - to the detriment of this important habitat - unless the necessary protection is put in place. 

We call on the Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to take the necessary steps to ensure that the full designation of Garrylucas Marsh as a Natural Heritage Area by the National Parks and Wildlife Service proceeds immediately."

In this new petition we want to push our leaders to promote the Marsh from a proposed Natural Heritage Area to fully protected.

Ireland has lost 75% of our wetlands over the last three centuries and fare worst in the world for wetland protection. The Irish Times printed a stark review of the state of our wetlands recently which is very relevant to our local cause. https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2023/02/11/ireland-worst-in-world-for-wetlands-depletion-over-past-3-centuries-global-study-finds/

Additionally, in the light of the newly passed Nature Restoration Law this site is a pressing example of implementing that law:

Oonagh Duggan, Head of Advocacy at BirdWatch Ireland said “At the recent National Biodiversity Conference An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that “the business case for biodiversity is compelling: the benefits of restoring nature outweigh the costs ten-fold, and the cost of inaction is even higher.” June 2022

This new petition is an opportunity to make a small difference. 

We urge local authorities and environmental bodies to renew their focus on protecting Kilcoleman Bog by implementing effective conservation strategies. Let us come together as a community to protect our local wildlife, heritage, and nature and in doing so safeguard our community from future flooding events that we have seen over the past few days.

Please sign this petition today and help us protect Kilcoleman Bog before it's too late.

Yours sincerely

Courcey Sustainable Group.