The designation of special areas of conservation is a requirement under the EU Habitats Directive, 92/42/EEC of 21 May 1992, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997).
Earlier this year I announced the terms of a compensation package for the cessation of turfcutting in raised bogs proposed for designation as SACs. Mullagh Bog – referred to on the official list as Killyconny Bog – is on such bog. The main provisions of the package provide for a payment of £1,300 per acre for turbary and fee simple, £1,100 per acre for turbary only and in each case, an additional lump sum payment of £1,000 where the applicant agreed to cease cutting turf in 1999. A streamlined scheme which allows for early payment of compensation has been devised and advertised in local papers. Under this scheme compensation is paid primarily on the basis of an affidavit sworn by the land/turbary owner. Payments have already been made under the scheme and Dúchas are prepared to make further payments on receipt of the necessary documents.
I am conscious of the social and economic impact that immediate cessation of turfcutting in raised bogs proposed for designation as special areas of conservation would have on small communities and I have decided to make exceptional arrangements in the case of cutters for domestic use. Accordingly, such cutters will be given a period of up to ten years to make new arrangements.