Officials from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department were concerned that works at this site, which is within Barroughter bog candidate special area of conservation (cSAC) No. 231 would have a negative impact on the ecological value of the cSAC. In order to protect the conservation value of the site the contractor was requested to cease activities. Dúchas officials did not, at any stage, require that machinery be retained on site or prevent its removal. Following a meeting between committee members, representing the turf cutters, and my officials a formula was agreed which will allow operations to proceed with minimal impact on the conservation value of the site. Written confirmation outlining the measures considered necessary to protect the site has issued to the committee.
Proposed works on bogs within cSACs are individually assessed in the context of the condition, location and size of the bog involved. I am unaware of the bogs in County Roscommon to which the Deputy refers but if he can provide details of the locations involved and the works proposed I will arrange to have the matter investigated.
