Turbary Rights.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2008

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Questions (816)

John O'Mahony

Question:

876 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on making representations to the European Commission with a view to relaxing the conditions of the habitats directive which prohibits the harvesting of turf on large tracts of boglands here in view of the soaring cost of oil, the depletion of oil stocks and the ongoing fuel crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22795/08]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Ireland is required to protect habitats of European importance under the Habitats Directive 1992, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. I have no plans to seek a relaxation of the requirements of the Habitats Directive.