Special Areas of Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Questions (379)

Finian McGrath

Question:

431 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the European Commission has said that de-designation of special areas of conservation is possible though difficult, if any progress has been made on the issue of possible de-designation of certain raised bogs and the designation of other raised bogs of a comparable quality that are owned by the State or Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11376/12]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Article 9 of the Habitats Directive provides for de-designation of Special Areas of Conservation. According to the Directive, this is only permissible where it is warranted by natural developments noted as a result of the surveillance undertaken by the Member State. Natural developments are understood to mean situations where habitats may be damaged by erosion, landslides or other occurrences in nature. Any de-designation would require the agreement of the European Commission and be undertaken on the basis of clear scientific evidence. On foot of discussions with Commission officials, my Department's clear understanding is that the provisions of Article 9 do not apply to the situation in regard to turf-cutting on raised bog SACs in Ireland where damage has been caused by manmade drainage and extraction.