11/02/2026
Major Peatland Restoration Project Launched For Fermanagh And Omagh
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has celebrated the launch of a significant €19.2 million environmental project aimed at restoring vital peatland habitats across the border counties.
The PEAT+ initiative, officially unveiled on World Wetlands Day at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, holds particular importance for the region due to the internationally significant landscapes within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.
Led by the nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife and funded through the SEUPB-managed PEACEPLUS programme, the project involves a massive collaborative effort. Partner organisations include Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, several other local councils, and academic bodies such as Atlantic Technological University Donegal.
Over the next three years, the project will implement large-scale restoration across 19 priority sites. Currently, it is estimated that 80% of Irish peatlands are in a degraded state, acting as a source of carbon emissions rather than a sink. By re-wetting and restoring these bogs, the project aims to improve water quality, mitigate flood risks, and recover threatened species like the large heath butterfly and golden plover.
Councillor Barry McElduff, Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, welcomed the investment: "Fermanagh and Omagh District is home to some of Ireland's most distinctive and precious peatland landscapes. The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is a case in point, a gem in our midst. The Sperrins AONB is another and there are plenty more. As a project partner, we warmly welcome the launch of the PEAT+ initiative and the significant investment it represents for conserving these vital habitats."
The launch event was attended by high-level representatives, including DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre.
Minister Muir highlighted the strategic importance of the work: "The PEAT+ programme provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between landowners, project partners, and statutory agencies across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This partnership approach will not only enable effective delivery of peatland restoration but also foster lasting legacy relationships to support future initiatives."
Ulster Wildlife CEO Dawn Miskelly added that the investment in the natural environment is an "investment in all our shared futures," providing long-term benefits for local wildlife, communities, and the economy.
The PEAT+ initiative, officially unveiled on World Wetlands Day at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, holds particular importance for the region due to the internationally significant landscapes within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.
Led by the nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife and funded through the SEUPB-managed PEACEPLUS programme, the project involves a massive collaborative effort. Partner organisations include Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, several other local councils, and academic bodies such as Atlantic Technological University Donegal.
Over the next three years, the project will implement large-scale restoration across 19 priority sites. Currently, it is estimated that 80% of Irish peatlands are in a degraded state, acting as a source of carbon emissions rather than a sink. By re-wetting and restoring these bogs, the project aims to improve water quality, mitigate flood risks, and recover threatened species like the large heath butterfly and golden plover.
The launch event was attended by high-level representatives, including DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre.
Minister Muir highlighted the strategic importance of the work: "The PEAT+ programme provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between landowners, project partners, and statutory agencies across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This partnership approach will not only enable effective delivery of peatland restoration but also foster lasting legacy relationships to support future initiatives."
Ulster Wildlife CEO Dawn Miskelly added that the investment in the natural environment is an "investment in all our shared futures," providing long-term benefits for local wildlife, communities, and the economy.
Latest Northern Ireland News
11 February 2026
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026. The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026. The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
11 February 2026
Ulster University Study Highlights Barriers To Online Abuse Reporting
Ulster University has released a major safeguarding report detailing why children and young people frequently do not disclose technology-assisted sexual abuse. Commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) as part of the Executive's Online Safety Strategy, the findings were launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day.
Ulster University Study Highlights Barriers To Online Abuse Reporting
Ulster University has released a major safeguarding report detailing why children and young people frequently do not disclose technology-assisted sexual abuse. Commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) as part of the Executive's Online Safety Strategy, the findings were launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day.
11 February 2026
Police Ombudsman Seeks Feedback on 23 Proposals to Reform Complaints System
The Police Ombudsman's Office has launched a public consultation on 23 recommendations designed to modernise the police complaints system in Northern Ireland. The proposals, part of a mandatory five-year legislative review, aim to align local oversight with standards used in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
Police Ombudsman Seeks Feedback on 23 Proposals to Reform Complaints System
The Police Ombudsman's Office has launched a public consultation on 23 recommendations designed to modernise the police complaints system in Northern Ireland. The proposals, part of a mandatory five-year legislative review, aim to align local oversight with standards used in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
11 February 2026
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
11 February 2026
Construction Begins on Major £70m Innovation Hub in Titanic Quarter
A major milestone for Northern Ireland's digital economy has been reached as construction officially begins on the Momentum One Zero expansion in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
Construction Begins on Major £70m Innovation Hub in Titanic Quarter
A major milestone for Northern Ireland's digital economy has been reached as construction officially begins on the Momentum One Zero expansion in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
11 February 2026
Resurfacing Works Begin on £635,000 Rathfriland Road Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the start of a £635,000 resurfacing project on the Newry Road in Rathfriland. The scheme covers a 1,450-metre stretch of the A25, running from Grocers Road to the Greenhill Road junction. The project is designed to improve the structural strength and surface quality of the carriageway.
Resurfacing Works Begin on £635,000 Rathfriland Road Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the start of a £635,000 resurfacing project on the Newry Road in Rathfriland. The scheme covers a 1,450-metre stretch of the A25, running from Grocers Road to the Greenhill Road junction. The project is designed to improve the structural strength and surface quality of the carriageway.
11 February 2026
Pedestrian Dies Following Fatal Collision in Newtownards
A man has died following a road traffic collision on the Kempe Stones Road in Newtownards on Tuesday, 10 February. The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report of a collision involving a car and a male pedestrian at approximately 6.50pm.
Pedestrian Dies Following Fatal Collision in Newtownards
A man has died following a road traffic collision on the Kempe Stones Road in Newtownards on Tuesday, 10 February. The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report of a collision involving a car and a male pedestrian at approximately 6.50pm.
11 February 2026
Major Peatland Restoration Project Launched For Fermanagh And Omagh
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has celebrated the launch of a significant €19.2 million environmental project aimed at restoring vital peatland habitats across the border counties.
Major Peatland Restoration Project Launched For Fermanagh And Omagh
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has celebrated the launch of a significant €19.2 million environmental project aimed at restoring vital peatland habitats across the border counties.
11 February 2026
NI Gender Identity Service Meets Cass Review Standards
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published a significant report confirming that Northern Ireland's Gender Identity Service is compliant with the recommendations of the 2024 Cass Review.
NI Gender Identity Service Meets Cass Review Standards
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published a significant report confirming that Northern Ireland's Gender Identity Service is compliant with the recommendations of the 2024 Cass Review.
11 February 2026
NI Motorists Face Reduced Choice and Rising Costs
Northern Ireland's car market is facing significant disruption as post-Brexit trading regulations threaten to limit vehicle availability and drive up prices for local consumers.
NI Motorists Face Reduced Choice and Rising Costs
Northern Ireland's car market is facing significant disruption as post-Brexit trading regulations threaten to limit vehicle availability and drive up prices for local consumers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.