Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Turbary Rights.

Enda Kenny

Question:

307 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will clarify the conditions and criteria that apply in the case of turf cutting machines; if these conditions apply in all areas irrespective of category, that is national heritage areas, special areas of conservation and so on; the position regarding the use in any area of sausage machines and other types of mechanical diggers, hoppers, or such type; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14694/01]

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

In early 1999, following consultation with representatives of the farming organisations and turf cutters, I announced a package of measures relating to the protection and conservation of bogs that have been proposed as candidate special areas of conservation, SACs, under the EU habitats directive. These measures included a ban on the use of sausage machines in such areas, necessary because of the significant damage they cause.

I introduced a package of compensatory measures, including the purchase of turbary rights from those cutting for their own use who were disposed to cease cutting immediately, a provision for the cessation of cutting by domestic cutters to be phased in over a ten year period and compensation for commercial cutters who were required to stop cutting immediately. Persons whose turf was cut by sausage turf machine would be eligible for such compensation. Restrictions on turf cutting, including the use of sausage machines, were confined to areas included in SACs. There are no restrictions on the use of hopper machine types. These measures struck the correct balance between our conservation responsibilities under the EU habitats directive and the needs of local communities. They were advertised in the national and local media and also through meetings at local level with my Dúchas officials. I am arranging to forward for the information of the Deputy a copy of our press releases from that time.