Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Turf Cutting.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

304 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding persons who want to cut their own turf in the Kilcummin bogs and the bogs in Slieve Lucra, Gneevguilla, County Kerry; if they can continue to operate with their turf cutting machinery and equipment to cut and supply turf to people in that area; and if she will ensure that no licence fee will be imposed on them. [6061/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The areas referred to by the Deputy are not proposed as special areas of conservation, SACs, or natural heritage areas and I have no plans, therefore, to propose any alterations to the current turf cutting procedures in those areas.