Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

347 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the basis for inspectors from her Department stopping the maintenance of drains in a bog (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the action she intends to take to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4747/02]

Denis Naughten

Question:

348 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the procedures involved in the maintenance of drains on designated bogs; the plans she has to outline these procedures to the owners of these bogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4749/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.

While on a routine site visit, a conservation ranger from Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, noticed works being carried out on Cloonchambers Bog, a candidate special area of conservation – cSAC – in the townland of Cloonkeen. These works appeared to involve the cutting of new drains, which could cause considerable damage to the cSAC. Any potentially damaging works within a cSAC are deemed to be notifiable actions, which require my prior consent. No such consent was sought in this instance, therefore, the ranger requested that these works cease.

In relation to drainage works, including maintenance of existing drains at designated raised bogs, the main conservation concern is to avoid increased drying of intact bog surfaces. There are no set procedures dealing with drainage works within designated bogs as each bog must be individually assessed. However, any drainage works on a designated bog or within the local water catchment area are deemed to be notifiable actions and must have my consent before being carried out. Usually, maintenance of existing drains will not result in a significant impact on the bog and consent can be given quickly. Every effort is made to identify all landowners in a cSAC and site information packs containing information in this regard have been issued to all landowners known to Dúchas. Landowners and users are also invited to participate in a local liaison committee, as a point of contact for landowners and a forum, which can address matters such as this.

Attempts by officials of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, to set up a liaison committee in this area proved unsuccessful due to opposition from local landowners. Nevertheless, officials of Dúchas are always available to meet with landowners to discuss and advise on any proposed works within designated conservation areas. Attempts are made to facilitate landowners as much as possible while ensuring the conservation objectives of these sites are maintained.