Vol. 499 No. 1
769 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to continue to cut bog in an area in County Roscommon designated for national heritage area purposes. [1005/99]
The bog in question is a raised bog, a habitat type which, on the basis of the scientific criteria set down therein, is given priority status under the EU Habitats Directive. Accordingly, the site is a proposed candidate special area of conservation and as such is required to be given the highest level of protection by the State.
I am currently concluding a comprehensive review of the protective measures and compensation provisions which I propose to put in place for raised bogs, having consulted widely in the matter. I expect to make a public statement in the matter very soon.
