John Connor
Question:15 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his current policy in relation to the use of bogland with an environmental designation for peat extraction as an energy source.
Written Answers. - Bogland Policy.
Bord na Móna operates a committed conservation policy and works closely with other State bodies such as the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works. Bord na Móna complies with the requirements of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989, under which peat developments greater than 50 hectares are subject to planning permission and require the completion of an environmental impact assessment.
Furthermore, Bord na Móna operates a policy of transferring to the Wildlife Service all peatlands under its control which are of scientific interest to ensure their proper conservation. At the end of 1993, a total of 3,857 hectares had been transferred in this fashion. The Wildlife Service has been invited by Bord na Móna to examine all bogs of interest to them with a view to their purchase. As a result, many environmentally important examples of Irish peat bog will remain intact for future generations.