Multi-level governance and policy contestation: Ambiguity and conflict in the implementation of peatland conservation in Ireland

Biodiversity represents one of the most controversial areas of environmental governance. Objectives:
Compliance with the EU regulatory framework is contained in the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and
in the designation of special areas of conservation which has prompted contestation in relationships
between public authorities, farmers, and local landholders across all levels of governance. Methodology:
Using Matland’s ambiguity-conflict model as a lens to view the implementation experience, the discussion
uses official documentation and literature sources to explore Ireland’s compliance with EU biodiversity
regulation with reference to peatlands. Results: This article uses the case of Ireland to explore inadequate
implementation which led to prolonged legal proceedings culminating in an unfavourable judgement against
the Irish state on 29th June 2023. In Case C-444/21 the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
ruled that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under the directive, namely the appropriate designation of
a Natura 2000 network of sites for important habitat and a protection regime for them. Central to Irish
debates on the habitats directive is the protection of raised bogs which has resulted in considerable conflict,
politicisation, and prolonged negotiations between peat-cutters and public authorities at national and local
levels. Conclusions: The discussion highlights the difficulties in changing ingrained attitudes and practices
for managing nature conservation in privately owned land and in securing collaborative engagement with
stakeholders.