Natural Heritage Areas Designation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Questions (428)

Robert Troy

Question:

428. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the ownership of Nure bog, County Westmeath has transferred from individual ownership to State ownership; the position regarding persons who wish to harvest turf in this bog from 2014 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50780/13]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The sale to my Department of a large private holding in Nure Bog was completed in June, 2012. Nure Bog is within one of 75 raised bogs sites which have been formally designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife Acts. A review of all raised bog NHAs is well advanced and I expect that the outcome will be available shortly. It is intended that the review will provide clarity in advance of the 2014 turf cutting season in regard to continued turf-cutting on these sites. My Department will be contacting individual turf-cutters on all these NHAs, including Nure Bog, once the outcome is finalised.