Bogland utilization: An impending Irish land use dilemma

Abstract

Past policy in Ireland has dictated that boglands be exploited chiefly for fuel. But recent experimentation has revealed considerable potential for agriculture, horticulture, and afforestation. Such revelations have stimulated controversy over future bogland utilization. Simply stated, should the bogs be excavated to their floor for maximum fuel output, or should a substantial layer of peat be preserved for other uses? The urgency of this dilemma is accentuated by the fact that most large Irish bogs will be exhausted in only thirty years.