Homework Assignment:
Examine why peat is important to
our economy
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Do your own research.
Write your answer on a single A4 page.
All answers must be ½ an A4 page in length.
To be submitted on Monday 22nd Sept.
Peat – the exploitation of
Ireland’s bog lands
Objective:
Demonstrate that the exploitation of a
resource is related to technological
change.
Peat – the exploitation of Ireland’s bog
lands.
• How many types of bog are there?
• Has the exploitation of Ireland’s bogs changed
over time?
• What is the function of Bord na Mona?
• What is peat used for?
• How is peat produced?
• What can be done with Ireland’s used peat
bogs?
How many types of bog are there?
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Two
Raised Bogs
Blanket Bogs
Peat is a non-renewable natural resource.
Bogs occupy one-seventh of Ireland’s land
mass.
Bord na Mona’s
peat bogs
How many types of bog are there?
Raised Bogs
• Formed in shallow
depressions
• Midlands of Ireland
(counties Kildare, Offaly,
Roscommon and Longford)
• 8-12 metres deep
• Exploited by industry and
families
How many types of bog are there?
Blanket Bogs
• Found in the uplands of the
West (Kerry, Clare, Galway,
Mayo and Donegal)
• 3-4 metres deep
• Family owned and exploited
Has the exploitation of Ireland’s bogs
changed over time?
• Rate of exploitation related to technological
change.
• In the past Meitheals of workers cut and saved
small amounts of turf using a sleán
• Practice decreased about 60 years ago
• But, Ireland’s bogs have been exploited more
in the past 60 years than previous years
combined
• Due to developments in technology
What is the function of Bord na Mona?
• 1946
• Exploit and harvest peat
• Required large
machines
• Industrial exploitation
began
• Also, creates jobs
• 2,000 employees
What is peat used for?
• Heating and energy –
burned in power
stations
• Moss peat for gardening
• Also, exported to other
EU states for gardening
and horticulture
What is peat used for?
• Peat briquettes for
home heating
How is peat produced?
Numerous vehicles and
items of machinery used
in the process.
• Ditcher
Digs drains to dry out bog
(95%)
• Grader
Levels bog so peat can be
harvested
• Miller
Harvests peat. Scrapes
thin layer off bog’s surface
• Harrow
Dries loose peat on
surface
• Ridger
Gathers loose, dry peat
into ridges
How is peat produced?
What can be done with Ireland’s used
peat bogs?
• Peat: a finite resource
• “cut away bogs” – when peat has been
removed
What can be done with Ireland’s used
peat bogs?
Wind Farms
• Flat land – accessible
• No shelter – exposed to wind
• Few residential areas in vicinity. Construction
unlikely to meet resistance
• Existing power stations running off peat can
be adapted to wind energy
What can be done with Ireland’s used
peat bogs?
Wildlife Sanctuary
• Unique habitat
• Preservation necessary to protect biodiversity
(variety of life found on Earth and all natural
processes)
• Preserve bog land’s characteristics
• Attract tourists
• David Bellamy – world heritage site
What can be done with Ireland’s used
peat bogs?
Forestry
• Coniferous trees could be planted
• Wood could be used
Grassland
• Agriculture
• Grazing livestock