Turbary Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Questions (261)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

315 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an appeal (details supplied); when a date may be expected for an appeal; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in granting an appeal date is impeding the person’s rights to harvest turf and due to the seasonal nature of harvesting, the person could be restricted further; the problems involved in granting an appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13474/12]

Written answers

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

Under the provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the carrying out of certain works in Natural Heritage Areas, including the extraction of turf, cannot take place without my consent as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Consent was refused for the works which the individual, referred to in the Deputy's question, intended to carry out and the individual has appealed against this decision. My Department has been in contact with the General Council of the Bar of Ireland and the Law Society of Ireland in relation to establishing a panel to draw upon for hearing and determining appeals such as this. I intend to establish this panel as soon as possible and the appeal referred to in the Deputy's question will be heard at the earliest possible date.