Vol. 513 No. 3
100 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her Department's policy in regard to turf cutting for private use by bog owners of high rise bog in special areas of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2331/00]
Following an extensive consultative process last year, I announced cessation arrangements for turf cutting in raised bog special areas of conservation. The main options for owners of turbary rights who cease cutting are to avail of compensation or to move to a plot in another bog in the area, if available. Except in particularly sensitive parts of a bog those cutting for personal domestic use may be allowed to continue doing so for up to ten years from 1999.
Landowners or cutters who have not yet done so are urged to contact local officials of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, who will be pleased to discuss the cessation of turfcutting with them.
A copy of my press release on this subject in March 1999 will be forwarded to the Deputy.
